ABSTRACT
Introduction: Sexual dimorphism practically involves differences in size and appearance of the same species which does not involve the difference in sexual organs. A significant variation also occurs with the tooth size, shape, etc., which plays a critical role in sex determination. Forensic investigations are used in defining the number of missing people whose skeletal remains are unknown. Depending on the available bones and their state, a variety of methods with varying degrees of reliability are available for identifying unknown remains. Materials and Methods: Fifty male and 50 female patients in the age group 20-30 years were randomly selected after taking a detailed history. All maxillary impressions were made with alginate and poured into a dental stone. These casts were measured for intercanine width, interpremolar width, and intermolar width using a digital vernier caliper, and findings were correlated with sexual dimorphism. Results: Intercanine width between the tips of right and left maxillary canine was measured in males and females at 36.08 ± 2.04 mm (Range: 30.05-41.64 mm) and in females, the mean intercanine width was 34.31 ± 1.75 mm (Range: 28.35-39.01 mm), respectively. Interpremolar width between the distal pits of right and left first premolars was measured in males and females at 38.97 ± 2.10 mm (Range: 33.94-45.21 mm) and in females, the mean interpremolar width was 36.92 ± 1.87 mm (Range: 31.34 mm), respectively. Intermolar width between the central fossae of right and left first molars was measured in males and females at 50.43 ± 2.25 mm (Range: 44.16-56.84 mm) and in females, the mean intermolar width was 47.90 ± 2.06 mm (Range: 42.66-54.63 mm), respectively. Conclusion: In males, the mean value of the combination of intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar widths was 125.47 ± 5.61 mm (Range: 108.15-141.86 mm) and in females, it was 119.12 ± 5.05 mm (Range: 103.25-134.36 mm). Mean values of all combinations were larger in males than in females. Thereby, maxillary arch widths contribute to accuracy in determining the gender of the individual.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are very commonly seen in dentists. These disorders can hinder their clinical practice and at times results in severe complications leading to an early retirement. Aim: The aim of this study is to find a correlation between physical and psychological factors with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in practicing dentists. This study is a culmination of two fields of medicine, physiotherapy and dentistry, thus proving to be of significant value in terms of interdisciplinary approach to healthcare. Materials and Methods: The sample size consisted of 50 dentists. It was an observational cross-sectional study with a questionnaire divided into three sections. Inclusion and exclusion criteria includes Section 1 - Demographic data and basic questions related to the aim of the study. Section 2 - Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire. Section 3 - General Health Questionnaire-12 for assessment of psychological stress. Results: Wrong posture, existing physical illness, lack of exercise and increases levels of psychological stress increase the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.This study could be used to implement better treatment options to dentists suffering from musculoskeletal disorders considering both physical and mental factors. Conclusion: It is very important to increase the awareness of ergonomics and the influence of psychological stress in practicing dentists so that they can avoid these disorders and provide a high-quality treatment to their patients without any hindrance in their professional careers due to these disorders.
