ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, from January to March 2023 after approval from the ethics review committee of the Islamic International Dental Hospital, Islamabad, and comprised dentists associated with 4 major dental teaching hospitals in the city. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from literature. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was explored along with its association with variables, like age, gender, experience, designation and history of injury. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. RESULTS: Of the 250 forms distributed, 188 (75.2%) were returned duly filled, while the remaining participants either did not respond or partially filled out the forms. Among the respondents, 64(34%) were males and 124(66%) were females, and the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was 172(91.5%). There was no significant difference among the variables based on anatomic site-specific data, except the designation variable, with individuals having a history of injury to neck (p=0.027) or shoulder (p=0.001) and those designated as professor (p=0.040) were significantly at risk of developing pain due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly high number of dentists were found to have some form of work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
Subject(s)
Dentists , Hospitals, Teaching , Musculoskeletal Diseases , Occupational Diseases , Humans , Female , Pakistan/epidemiology , Male , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Prevalence , Adult , Hospitals, Teaching/statistics & numerical data , Dentists/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Gene therapy holds a promising future for bridging the gap between the disciplines of medicine and clinical dentistry. The dynamic treatment approaches of gene therapy have been advancing by leaps and bounds. They are transforming the conventional approaches into more precise and preventive ones that may limit the need of using drugs and surgery. The oral cavity is one of the most accessible areas for the clinical applications of gene therapy for various oral tissues. The idea of genetic engineering has become more exciting due to its advantages over other treatment modalities. For instance, the body is neither subjected to an invasive surgery nor deep wounds, nor is it susceptible to systemic effects of drugs. The aim of this article is to review the gene therapy applications in the field of dentistry. In addition, therapeutic benefits in terms of treatment of diseases, minimal invasion and maximum outcomes have been discussed.
