Ergonomics among dentists in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Aim: This study is designed to evaluate the work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to disclose the incidence, location, and intensity of musculoskeletal pain among dentists in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A questionnaire study was designed. Six hundred and twenty-four dentists participated in the survey working in different centers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Demographic information, type of professional practice, duration of working hours, posture of working, and the distance of travel from home to workplace were collected. This was related to whether a dentist is suffering from any musculoskeletal disorder. The location of pain, intensity of pain, and the preventive measure they employ in their daily life are noted. Results: It was observed that oral and maxillofacial surgeons followed by general dentists were more prone to musculoskeletal disorders. Due to the lack of a well qualified/trained assistant in addition to lack of sophisticated equipment is resulting in professional induced musculoskeletal disorders among oral and maxillofacial Surgeons. General dentists who try to perform all the dental procedures by themselves without the support of specialists were more prone to musculoskeletal disorders. The majority of the participants have lower back pain with a visual analog scale score of 5. It was believed by most of the participants that a good physical exercise in the morning helps from preventing such professional-induced musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, due to their unique work, are more prone to muscle imbalances, and hence ergonomic interventions are essential to maintain optimal health during the course of their professional career.

A RULA-Based Comparison of the Ergonomic Risk of Typical Working Procedures for Dentists and Dental Assistants of General Dentistry, Endodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Orthodontics

“…Although there are numerous studies on the prevalence of WMSD and ergonomic interventions [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 9 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], differentiations between the fields of specialization (e.g., general dentistry, endodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or orthodontics) in these studies are rare [ 28 , 29 ]. Uppada et al [ 29 ], for example, found that oral surgeons show a higher prevalence of WMSD than generalists, while Newell and Kumar [ 28 ] argued for a different ergonomic load in orthodontists compared to generalists. According to both research, generalists work on posterior molars and, therefore, have to spend more time in a bent-over position while orthodontists work rather superficially and can maintain a more upright posture [ 28 , 30 ].…”

Extent of Ambidexterity Among Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Southern region of India: An Evaluative Study

“…They deal with patients who are under extreme physical and emotional distress as a result of pain, traumatic injury, disfiguring tumors and facial deformities [8]. Hence, studies have shown that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is more prone to occupational stress [2,3,[8][9][10].…”

“…It not only deals with interventions that are life-saving but also with those which augment the quality of life with enhanced function and aesthetics 1. Literature reveals that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs intricate and skilled professional work in a prolonged awkward posture [2,3]. Hence, this surgical speciality demands the operator to possess dexterity of both hands for the successful completion of the task quickly and efficiently.…”

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…17,[36][37][38][39][40][41] More than one-quarter (n = 24) of the included publications reported more than 90% prevalence. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]16,18,23,[42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] One fourth of the studies (n = 21) reported a lifetime prevalence, 3,37,39,44,45,49,51,[53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66]…”

“…Only a few studies were reported from North America (n = 7), 37,43,49,52,63,81,82 South America (n = 4), 19,50,77,83 and Australia (n = 4), 14,68,84,85 while only one study was reported from Africa (n = 1). 86 Most of the studies were from Asia 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10]12,[15][16][17][18]22,23,36,38,40,41,45,46,48,51,[55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][64][65][66][69][70]…”