Prevalence of upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders among dental students and professionals in Ajman, United Arab Emirates: an observational study

ABSTRACT

This study aims to find the prevalence of upper quadrant musculoskeletal problems among dental students and professionals. Across sectional study was carried out among dental professionals in Ajman. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to 72 dental students and 30 dental care practitioners from the College of Dentistry at Gulf Medical University, Dental Department of Gulf Medical College Hospital and the College of Dentistry of Ajman Institute of technology. The frequent musculoskeletal problem sex experienced by dental professionals were pain in the upper back [30%], shoulder problems [24.5%], and pain in the wrist [20.6%]. The results of this study suggest that the dental professionals have a high prevalence of developing upper quadrant musculoskeletal disorders. As such, the dental profession will need to carefully consider preventive strategies to help minimize the impact of this important occupational health hazard on the next generation of dental professionals