Abhishek et al. Ergonomics – Work Smart, Be Safe!! Review Article (original) (raw)
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Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Practitioners and Ergonomic Strategies
Introduction: In different professions, including dentistry, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main reason of loss of working period, increasing labor costs, human injuries, and absence from work. Improper posture while working is the main cause of these disorders among dentists. In this regard, identifying the risk factors and its potential harms are absolutely necessary. However, dentists are not usually informed of the role of ergonomics in the health of their musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate body posture in dentists’ profession. Methods: Through search in PubMed, Google, Scopus, and Medline, a total of 23 original research papers were found with the keywords such as musculoskeletal disorders, dentists and ergonomics. Then, the main factors responsible for MSDs among dentists and the ways to prevent them were identified and presented. Results: Dentists working in an asymmetric and static position. Usually their head is forward and often rotates in one direction and hands are away from the body. Furthermore, dentists need eye-hand coordination to work. Maintaining this posture for a long period causes stress in the joints, muscles and tendons, especially in the neck, back, shoulder, and wrist body parts. Work equipment is not often designed ergonomically. These factors lead to musculoskeletal disorders like thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, rounded shoulders, forward head posture, supraspinatus tendinitis, and trigger points in muscles like trapezius. Conclusion: The work conditions and postures of dentists need to be improved. Furthermore, the level of dental professional education regarding the risk factors of MSDs as well as correct working conditions and postures should be increased.
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder: As an Occupational Hazard in Dentistry
The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 2013
Objective Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are commonly experienced in dentistry. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ergonomics and MSDs among dental professionals. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 170 dentists of different specialties. The questionnaire gathered information regarding demographic details, MSDs, work duration, working status, awareness of ergonomics, etc. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for comparison in mean scores. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the independent variables that significantly influenced the variance in the dependent variable (pain). Results It was found that 73.9% of the participants reported musculoskeletal pain and most common painful sites were neck and back. More than half of the participants, i.e. 232 (59.3%) were aware of correct ergonomic posture regarding dental. Almost per...
AIM:The aim of this study is to define work-related musculoskeletal disorders, risk factors and stressful individual behaviors in dentistry which lead to injures and implementing preventive strategies. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Musculoskeletal disorders were attributed to numerous risk factors including prolonged static posture, repetitive movements, suboptimal lighting, poor positioning, genetic predisposition, mental stress, physical conditioning and age. Researchers have found symptoms of discomfort for dental workers occurred in the wrists/hands (69.5%), neck (68.5%), upper back (67.4%), low back (56.8%) and shoulders (60.0%). Musculoskeletal pain, particularly back pain, has been found to be a major health problem for dental practitioners. Early symptoms of MSDs include pain, swelling, tenderness, numbness and loss of strength. RESULTS: Knowing the risk factors and MSD symptoms dentists will increase prevention, change their habits, select proper ergonomic equipment, and have a break after each operation with stretching exercise. CONCLUSNS: Ergonomics along with regular exercises, relaxation techniques (meditation, pilates, biofeedback & yoga), proper nutrition helps dentists combat stress, thus conserving the productive energy, thereby increasing comfort, improving the quality of life, ultimately leading to extended careers.
World Journal of Dentistry
Original research to maximize operators capabilities and at the same time ensure maximum operator safety. Hence, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors of MSD among dental healthcare professionals in a dental institute in Maharashtra, India. IntroductIon As per the World Health Organization (WHO), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are called work-related when the "working activities and conditions significantly induce and exacerbate them." 1 MSDs are widespread and have a huge impact in the modern society. 2 MSDs are common in several workplaces and it is considered as the second most common workplace hazard after the respiratory diseases. 3 MSDs are notoriously known to cause physical as well as financial morbidity in the Indian subcontinent annually incurring upto 40% of all the costs of work-related injuries. 2 Health care profession is known to be at a high risk for Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). It is estimated that almost one-third of all cases of sick leave among healthcare workers are related to MSDs. 2 MSDs have a high prevalence rate of 60-90% in dental professionals in India due to various factors like prolonged static posture, long operating periods, handling of delicate instruments with significant force, etc. 4 Commonly arising complaints reported in previous studies are back, neck, shoulder and wrist/ thumb problems. 2,3,5,6 Long-term usage of high frequency vibrational instruments is also known to cause minor hand neuropathy. 5,7 Ergonomics is derived from Greek Word Ergo means work and Nomos means natural laws. Ergonomics therefore is defined as "an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. 8 Dentists have to retain prolong static postures, and perform continuous neck, arms, shoulder and hand movements; either in sitting or standing position which may result in discomfort in various body parts. If these repeated discomforts are neglected, they are likely to cause long-term musculoskeletal as well as psychological problems leading to decline in the performance and productivity.
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders , 2013
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main occupational health hazards affecting dental practitioners. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WMSD) amongst dental students. Possible correlations with the working environment and ergonomics taught in Malaysian dental schools were also sought. Five dental schools in Malaysia participated in this cross-sectional study. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to establish the point prevalence of WMSD in the dental students based on various body regions. The questionnaire also collected data regarding the working environment, clinical practice and the taught ergonomics of the students during their training years. Out of five hundred and sixty eight dental students who participated in the study, 410 were in their clinical years whilst 158 were students in their non- clinical years …
Ergonomics: A pain free dentistry for professionals
One of the most prevalent types of work-related injuries are musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) result in persistent pain, loss of functional capacity and work disability, but initial diagnosis is difficult because they are mainly based on complaints of pain and symptoms. “An ounce of prevention is better than pounds of cure” ……That’s what dental health care workers spend their day telling their patients, but it also applies to working conditions that can cause pain in the neck, shoulder and hand to a dentist. Dentists and dental students often assume awkward physical positions while providing treatment to (a) get a better view of the intraoral cavity; (b) provide a more comfortable position for the patient; and/or (c) operate equipment and reach for instruments and supplies. This update reviews various causes, signs, symptoms of musculoskeletal disorder and their preventive measures and various exercises to work with comfort, efficiency and ease. Key Words: Ergonomics Exercises, Dentistry, Workrelated musculoskeletal disorders
In dental clinics, there are very few activities that can cause sudden injuries, rather it is an accumulation of harmless working positions over months and years, which are repeated so often that they cause irreversible injuries Musculoskeletal disorders / Repetitive Strain Injuries (MSDs /RSIs) and the signs, symptoms and risk factors of these types of injuries, so that one can be aware of developing problems and can change his /her approach to work or alter the workstation setup to prevent further injury. The article discusses the important issues of posture and offers different exercises to work with comfort, efficiency and ease. This includes many different concepts such as how dentists position themselves and their patients, how they utilize equipment, how work areas are.
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2022
Introduction: Despite all modern technological advances, dentistry is a profession still being affected by various musculoskeletal disorders, because of their prolonged working hours and difficult postures. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the basic knowledge, attitude and practice of dental ergonomics during routine dental procedures among dental professionals and the second aim of the study focused on knowledge, attitude and practice of dental ergonomics by gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 dental professionals from January 2021 to February 2021. A structured questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was administered. Descriptive analysis of demographic variables was done and knowledge, attitude and perception scores were performed using the chi-square test. Results: Among the 203 participants, a considerable majority of the participants which is about 75.9% (male: 71.1% and female: 79.6%) reported that they have awareness of dental ergonomi...
Ergonomic risk assessment of musculoskeletal discomfort among dental practitioners of Uttarakhand
The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2021
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common occupational diseases among dentists. Dental work consists of static and demanding activities in which small instruments are repeatedly used. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, pain areas and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal pain among dental practitioners. To determine the prevalence and severity location of musculoskeletal pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 80 dental practitioners. The majority of the respondents (72.5%) had experienced MS pain more than twice, while only 17.5 per cent experienced no musculoskeletal pain. According to the total discomfort score of Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, it can be concluded that dental practitioners felt discomfort mostly in the neck (27.22%), right shoulder (16.43%), left shoulder (14.45%), right wrist (6.99%), right upper arm (9.75%) and upper back (9.71%). There is an association between the Age, BMI and years of experience with the musculoskeletal pain experienced by dental practitioners. The prevalence of pain among dental practitioners could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.
Ergonomic analysis to study the intensity of MSDs among practicing Indian dentists
Throughout the world background literature reviews have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental practitioners. Prevalence of MSDs among dental practitioners in India is not well documented. Aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of MSDs among dental practitioners in Pune city in the state of Maharashtra, India. A cross sectional descriptive study in which a self-administered questionnaire (Body part discomfort survey) was used to assess the musculoskeletal symptoms among dental practitioners. In this study (n=57) in total, 47% of the respondents were males and 52% were females. The recorded data was analyzed. This questionnaire results (for all body parts), showed neck trouble to be the most predominant MSDs (69%), followed by shoulder (51%), upper back (51%), and lower back problem (39%).This results suggest that there is a need for change of body posture. This mean can be achieved by using a proper body support or change in work area. A prototype design is suggested to overcome this problem. The deployment of the prototype has reduced the RULA scoring and proved by t-test calculation. Results were verified by using the p-chart. The fraction of defects for all 12 areas and each respondent were calculated for further study.