Effectiveness of an educative ergonomic plan in reducing musculo-skeletal disorders among dental practitioners / Efetividade de um plano ergonômico educativo na redução de distúrbios osteormusculares entre dentistas

Objective: Work related musculo skeletal disorders (WMSD) are very common among dental practitioners who use precise hand-wrist motions and prolonged static postures. The aim of this study was to develop an educative ergonomic plan and test its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of musculo-skeletal disorders among dental practitioners. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on a random sample of 50 dental practitioners of both genders (25 male, 25 female) practising for more than 4 years in urban Bengaluru, India and showing symptoms of neck pain, back pain or wrist pain. In the first round of the questionnaire data was collected from all 50 dentists. Next an educative ergonomic plan was developed which included simple exercises and recommendations in the form of do's and don'ts. The study population were asked to follow the guidelines given and perform the exercises given in the poster daily for a period of 3 months. Then, the questions were again asked. The differences in responses during the first stage and second stage were analyzed. Results: The use of the ergonomic plan led to a statistically significant improvement in certain ergonomic practises such as practise of changing their positions during clinical practice, keeping shoulders and arm at correct level while working and keeping instruments within hand reach. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain levels after the use of the ergonomic plan. Conclusion: The ergonomic plan in the form of recommendations and exercises were an effective tool in improving ergonomic practises and reducing the symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders among dental practitioners. (AU)

Objetivo: Distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho (DORT) são muito comuns entre os dentistas que usam movimentos precisos de mão e punho e posturas estáticas prolongadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um plano ergonômico educativo e testar sua eficácia na redução de sintomas de distúrbios osteomusculares em dentistas. Material e Métodos: Este estudo foi realizado em uma amostra aleatória de 50 dentistas de ambos os sexos (25 homens, 25 mulheres) trabalhando há mais de 4 anos na área urbana de Bengaluru, Índia e apresentando sintomas de dor no pescoço, dor nas costas ou dor no punho. Na primeira etapa do questionário foram coletados dados de todos os 50 dentistas. Em seguida, foi desenvolvido um plano ergonômico educativo que incluía exercícios simples e recomendações na forma de fazer e não fazer. Os participantes foram solicitados a seguir as orientações dadas e realizar os exercícios indicados no pôster diariamente por um período de 3 meses. Em seguida, as perguntas foram feitas novamente. Foram analisadas as diferenças nas respostas durante a primeira etapa e a segunda etapa. Resultados: A utilização do plano ergonômico levou a uma melhora estatisticamente significativa em algumas práticas ergonômicas, como a prática de mudar de posição durante o atendimento clínico, manter ombros e braços no nível correto durante o trabalho e manter os instrumentos ao alcance das mãos. Houve redução estatisticamente significativa dos níveis de dor após a utilização do plano ergonômico. Conclusão: O plano ergonômico na forma de recomendações e exercícios foi uma ferramenta eficaz na melhoria das práticas ergonômicas e na redução dos sintomas de distúrbios osteomusculares entre os cirurgiões-dentistas. (AU)

Screening of antimicrobial activity of herbal extract of Embelia Basal, Chlorhexidine & Amoxicillin against salivary microflora of mixed dentition age group.

The word, Ayurveda in Sanskrit roughly means the “science or knowledge of life.” Other Ayurvedic experts however, contend that Ayurveda is even more accurately translated as the “science or knowledge of longevity.” As such, it focuses on comprehensively addressing the body and preventing disease by reestablishing equilibrium. When balance is achieved, longevity – living a long, healthy, active and productive life – can be obtained(Frawley D.1989., Svoboda RE 1989). Medicinal plants represent a rich source of antimicrobial agents. Plants are used medicinally in the different countries and are a source of many potent and powerful drugs(Srivastava J et al., 1996). In this study the Antimicrobial activity of ‘Embelia Basal’ in acetone extracts were compared with Chlorhexidine and Amoxicillin 125mg and Amoxicillin 250mg against human salivary microfloraat different concentrations. The antimicrobial activity was assisted by measuring the inhibition zones by well diffusion method. Saliva was collected from children of age group 6-12 years having DMFT value four or above four. Ten salivary samples were tested for antimicrobial property to determine the Minimum Inhibition Concentration in order to increase the reliability and precision of the study. The results confirmed the antimicrobial potential of ‘Embeiia Basal’ plant at different concentrations in acetone extracts are comparable with chlorhexidine and Amoxicillin and can be used as preventive and therapeutic measure in dentistry.