Ergonomic related Risk Factors Evaluation among Dental Professionals

Objectives: To identify the ergonomic related risk factors in dental professionals in order to bring avoidance of illness and musculoskeletal disorders
Methods: Specially designed questionnaires were circulated among dental practitioners and dental students at various dental colleges, hospitals and clinics in Lahore to evaluate the occupational hazards among them in dental settings. Data had been collected from 100 dental professionals (20 for each group); Government hospitals, Private Hospitals, Private Clinics, Final year & 3rd year dental students from government and private colleges.
Results: The adoption of inadequate postures such as exaggerated flexions or cervical torsions could generate a higher frequency of muscular pain in dental students and practitioners. Statistically significant differences were found between gender and the occurrence of pain. The presence of muscular pain was higher for the female group participating in this study. The high percentage of pain reported by dental students and practitioners suggests the value of reviewing work conditions in dental practices in order to minimize the exposure of all workers to musculoskeleton disorders.
Conclusions: Prevalence of work related health issues in dental professionals is very high especially in those dentists who work more than 8 hours on daily basis. Prevalence is high in females specifically in neck and shoulder region. Males are documented as more prone to have backache. More health issues are present in those who are working in government sector. All work related health issues lead to less work efficiency, less productivity and less precision in performing dental procedures.