Ergonomics in Dentistry: Really A Practice or Just a Tactics

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Work related musculoskeletal disorders are oneof the most common health problem among the dentists andthe most common reason for early retirement from dentistrybecause in dentistry, clinically, working field is confined to avery small area (oral cavity). Ergonomics is highly relevantto preventive and occupational medicine, management ofmusculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation. The objectives ofthis study was to assess the knowledge and practice towardsErgonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) amongdental population.Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional analyticalstudy, conducted among Interns of various dental colleges ofLucknow, U.P. A set of closed ended twelve questions wereprepared to collect the relevant information pertaining tothis study. Questions were related to assess the knowledgeand practice towards ergonomics and work related musculoskeletal disorders. Type of clinical practice, Dentists workingposition, number of clinical working hours, musculo-skeletalproblem, location of pain, were includedResult: The study sample consisted of 225 dental students(195 BDS interns and 30 MDS students) and 56 privatepractitioners. Majority of subjects i.e. 67.89% studentsand 74.57% practitioners said that they don’t know aboutergonomics at all. 75.57% students and 82.13% practitionersaccepted that practicing dentistry without ergonomicsprinciples can cause musculoskeletal disorders. Only 55.6%students and only 8.92% practitioners were strictly followingthe principles of operator’s position, patient’s position anddental chair’s position while treating patients in dentalclinic. 60.71% practitioners and 26.67% students had pain inshoulders, back or extremities regularly, 26.78% practitionersand 51.11% students had pain sometimes whereas only 12.7%practitioners and 22.23% students never had pain.Conclusion: The key for dental clinicians for staying healthyand fit is to adopt an ergonomic position all the times andadopting yoga/exercise in their daily routine thus preventingthem from developing MSDs. Faculty in the institutions arerequired to teach these principles on ‘need for dentist’s health’basis rather than just as a curriculum since BDS first year sothat prevention of MSDs can be implemented at primary level