Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial aspects among dentists - A survey

Background: Musculoskeletal symptoms or disorders among dentists have been major concern in recent years. The most frequent injuries occur in spine (neck and back), shoulders, elbow and hands. In order to summarize, the study describes mainly about the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists, percentage of affection and prevalence of psychosocial aspects among dentists. Aim and objectives: The aim of the study was to find prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial aspects among dentist and among male and female dentists, among age groups (years) of dentists, between right handed and left handed dentists, between four categories of body mass index among dentists, dentists working in private practice, in academics and in both Private practice and academics, under‑graduate and post‑graduate level dentists between three categories of clinically experienced dentists between dentists working with assistant and without assistant and to find the prevalence of psychosocial risks among dentists. Materials and methods: To determine prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders by using standardized Nordic questionnaire for analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms and to determine prevalence of psychosocial aspects by using job content questionnaire. Results: Results of the study revealed that there is prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists. Among 463 dentist's, total percentage of musculoskeletal affection was 90.7%. The percentage of affection in specific body areas are as follows neck pain 73.8%, Low back 70%, shoulder 62.4%, upper back 23%, elbow 16.7%, hips 14%, ankle 11.2%, knee 7.6%. The prevalence of psychosocial risk was 68%. Conclusion: From this survey, it can be concluded that there was high prevalence of musculoskeletal and psychosocial risk factors among dentists. These work related musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by correcting awkward posture when working and taking appropriate ergonomic measures.