The effect of number of patients treated, dental loupes usage, stress, and exercise on musculoskeletal pain among dentists in Jeddah

Abstract

A BSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and to explore its potential risk factors among dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of private and government dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was undertaken between January and December 2018. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed randomly to consenting participants. Descriptive data analysis involved measures of central tendency and percentages, t test, chi-square, and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate relationships among the variable “having MSP experience after dental work” and other potential predictors among dentists. Results: A total of 300 dentists completed the questionnaires. The overall prevalence of MSP was 68%, with back pain as the most frequently reported symptom (54%). The results revealed significant association of MSP with number of patients treated per day, nonuse of dental loupes during dental work, stress, and lack of regular exercise ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of MSP among dentists in Jeddah is high attributable to poor ergonomics and stress, which further impact the quality of life of practitioners.

The Development of Musculoskeletal Disorders during Undergraduate Dentistry Studies—A Long-Term Prospective Study

“…The three phases of the study were carried out in October (the first year), February (the third year), and May (the fifth year). In the scientific literature, there is not a general agreement on the benefits of sporting activities in relation to MSDs among dentists nor dentistry students [ 12 , 14 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 33 , 35 ].…”

“…There is broad evidence of an association between work-related MSDs [ 2 ] and the dentistry profession [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The occurrence of MSDs among dentists varies between 47% and 93% in different studies [ 3 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Several studies among dentistry students showed the early onset of MSDs even during the undergraduate studies, where the occurrence ranged from 39% to 93% [ 8 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

“…The most frequent areas of pain are neck, lower back, shoulders and hands [ 3 , 7 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. The occupational risk factors in dentistry include long-term static asymmetric forced posture, small intensively lighted working field, limited range and spectrum of movements, noise, and psychosocial stress [ 12 , 23 , 35 , 38 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Although the ergonomic recommendations have been developed and their efficacy was proved [ 52 ], they seem not to be broadly known [ 37 ], or they are ignored in everyday practice [ 7 , 45 ].…”

Study of the relationship between the presence of musculoskeletal disorders and length of work in dental surgeons

“…MSDs constitute a group of serious occupational diseases characterized by pain and dysfunction that affect the musculoskeletal system that includes nerves, tendons, muscles, and intervertebral discs. ALSHOUIBI et al, (2020).…”