Prevalence of neck and back pain among dentists and dental auxillaries in South-western Nigeria

Dental health workers like other workers have occupation related health problems and hazards which include neck and low back pain. Previous studies have shown that the prevalence and location of pain may be influenced by posture and work habits and as well as demographic factors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neck and back problems among dentists and dental auxillaries in private and government dental hospitals in south western Nigeria. Structured self administered questionnaire was sent to dentist and dental auxillaries by randomly selecting 3 out of the 6 state capital from the southwestern Nigeria. Participants included those in private clinics; teaching hospitals and general hospitals. The questionnaire was composed of respondents biodata; questions about specific information on neck and back pain and routine practice posture while working at chairside. The total number of properly filled questionnaire was 210 with a male to female ratio of 1.04:1. Respondents included 147 dentists; 37 dental surgeon assistants (DSA); 14 dental therapists and 12 dental technologists. Prevalence of back and neck pain among the respondents was 88.1and 81.9respectively. Among the male respondents; the prevalence of back pain was 86.9and 89.3in female while for neck pain ; the prevalence was 83.2in male and 80.6in female. Within the different professional groups; the prevalence of back pain was highest among the DSA(89.2); closely followed by the dentists(88.4); then therapists(85.7) and least among the technologists(83.3). For neck pain; the prevalence was highest among therapists followed by technologists ; dentists and least among the DSA. More females missed work due to back and neck pain than males. There is therefore the need to address ergonomic issues and change the way dentistry is practiced

Dental Anxiety: Investigative and Management Techniques often Employed in a Cross Section of Nigerian Specialist Dental Clinics

Background: Information on the pattern of dental anxiety management in Nigeria is currently not available. Aim: The study was designed to determine the awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety assessment questionnaires as well as the current pattern in the management of dental anxiety in Nigeria. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires distributed among dental residents and house officers in Nigerian dental schools. Information requested included demographic variables; frequency of presentation of dental anxiety; awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires. The respondents were also asked to rate the frequency of application of the outlined dental anxiety management techniques on a 5-point Likert scale. The median score and the range for each technique was determined and compared between the male and female respondents. Results: A total of 96 questionaires were sent out to dental surgeons of all grades. Response was obtained from 86 giving a response rate of 90. Only 23 (26.7) respondents were aware of dental anxiety questionnaires while only 13 (15.1) have seen the instrument applied. The percentage of patients with dental anxiety was estimated by the respondents to be 20. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. The female respondents employ behaviour therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently. Conclusion: The awareness and frequency of application of dental anxiety questionnaires appeared poor. Behaviour therapy was the most frequently employed dental anxiety management technique. It appears the female respondents employ behavior therapy and intramuscular sedation more frequently