Ergonomic evaluation of dental professionals as determined by rapid entire body assessment method in 2014

Background and aim: Among occupational diseases in dentists, work-related musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] are the major causes for loss of working days, increasing costs and human occupational injury and absence from work. Incorrect body postures are the most important cause of musculoskeletal disorders. It is important to identify the risk factors and the degree of harm in order to understand whether the condition is critical or not. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the work postures of general dentists and specialists by Rapid Entire Body Assessment REBA method in Kerman, Iran

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Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the risk levels of musculoskeletal disorders were assessed in 90 dentists, using REBA method. Stratified sampling method was used and data were analyzed with SPSS21, using T-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient. P<0.05 was considered as statistical significance

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Results: The results showed that work postures of 90% of dentists were at moderate to high risk levels and immediate corrective measures were necessary. Among the specialists, periodontists, pedodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons had the worst body postures. Therefore, they were at a higher risk for musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between age, clinical experience and a lower REBA score

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Conclusion: It can be concluded that the work conditions and postures of dentists need to be improved. In addition, the level of dental professional education regarding the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders as well as correct working conditions and postures should be promoted