DETERMINATION OF ERGONOMICS, FITNESS AND ITS IMPACT IN DENTAL PRACTICE : A KAP STUDY

Aim: To understand the dental practitioners Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Ergonomics & Fitness and implementation of the same in their practice and way of life. Subjects and Methods: A total of 400 private dental practitioners across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai were included in the study, 184 males and 216 females, with a mean age of 33.79 years. Dentists were evaluated with 19 point close-ended self-administered questionnaire. Results: The data showed 87% subjects observing a sitting position while working on patients. Majority (75.8%) subjects did not use dental loupes in their practice. Most (69%) subjects practiced four hand dentistry. 44% practitioners experienced pain while working on patients with moderate pain in the neck (60.55%) predominating most of the cases followed by mild pain in the lower back (52.57%). Use of wrong posture was the probable reason for pain mentioned by 42.70% subjects. 19.33% dentists did not indulge into physical fitness during the day because of lack of interest (53.96%), busy practice (25.39%). Conclusion: Dental practitioners should incorporate use of proper ergonomic practices in their daily routine through use of assistive devices and follow a fitness regimen regularly for a healthier way of life.