Ergonomic hazards to dental surgeons: a cross-sectional study

Ergonomics is the working condition which facilitates the performance of labor and promotes worker's welfare. Dentists all around the world have been challenged with issues related to the musculoskeletal system. Mostly musculo - skeletal problems start during the learning period of the dentist and then continue throughout his/her life, affecting spine, neck, shoulders, hands and other body parts. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of graduate and postgraduate dental students about the role of ergonomics in dentistry and to evaluate the presence of any pain I discomfort during the last twelve months

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 120 dental graduate and postgraduate students working in Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi using the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. All of the respondents endorsed the significance of maintaining an ideal posture during their clinical activities. However, 65% reported that they seldom assumed an ideal posture during work. About 70% of the participating dentists reported one or more episodes of musculoskeletal disorders over the last 12 months. The highest frequency was observed for lower back ache [65%] followed by neck pain [53.3%] and pain in wrist I hand [37.5%]. A positive correlation was found between the musculoskeletal disorders and the average working hours per week [P<0.05]

Bridging the gap. quality of communication between prosthodontists and lab technicians

This descriptive study was carried out at dental out-patient department of Liaquat medical University Hospital Hyderabad from January 2013 to December 2013. Thirty-five patients wearing auto polymerized [self-cured] fixed partial dentures provided by unqualified and qualified dental practitioners were assessed. Condition of oral health was evaluated on the basis of proper history and clinical examination. Prosthesis condition was also assessed. Oral health of underlying soft and hard tissues was carefully evaluated after removing the prosthesis with the help of slow speed hand piece without jeopardizing oral tissues. It was evident in this study that fixed partial dentures made from auto polymerized [self cure] acrylic resins had adversely affected the oral tissues compelling the patients to visit the qualified dentist for proper treatment of their problems