Musculoskeletal Complaints In Dentists

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The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in dentists is high although relatively few studies had focus in (in this area)this profession. Dentists are among the workers who are more often susceptible to MSDs; their work includes risk factors that may lead to many pathologies such as tendinitis, synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bursitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 dentists of Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) for a period of one year where primary data were collected amongst the licensed dentists registered under Indian Dental Association, Bhopal branch. A pre-structured and pretested Questionnaire was used for interview and observation check list were used as a tool for data collection. Undergraduates who were newly registered and practicing…show more content…
Keywords: MSD, BDS, MDS, WMSD, IDA Introduction: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in dentists is high although relatively few studies had focus in this profession.1Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are described as disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. The term “work-related musculoskeletal disorders” (WMSDs) refers to MSDs that are made worse or longer lasting by work conditions. MSDs are some of the most important work-related problems currently reported.2 Dentists are among the workers who are more often susceptible to MSDs; their work includes risk factors that…show more content…
More than 60, out of the total respondents, reported for pain in neck and back with respect to their duration of clinical practice. Pain in wrist accounted for 40%. Out of total registered general practitioners who had a work experience of less than 2 years, three fourth of them reported pain in wrist and neck. Overall knowledge of ergonomics was same among the participants, but majority of the post graduate participants experienced pain in neck and back due to long standing positioning and technique specific treatment. Orthodontists, among MDS, were found to be more prone for pain in wrist. Duration of practice and number of working hours were associated factors for aggravating WMSD. Since, this study was conducted in Bhopal district, capital of Madhya Pradesh state, an intervention is needed to improve the awareness regarding proper ergonomic practices. Since the study was carried out for a limited time period on a small sample of dentists practicing privately, the study may not be generalized on all dentists working in dental colleges. The study can be further extended as case control for implementing awareness programme as to make the dentists follow and practice proper ergonomics. There was constraint of time and the resources. Timing of practice and busy schedule of dentist were also the limitations for collecting data on
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