Dental Hygiene Students’ Self‐Assessment of Ergonomics Utilizing Photography

Abstract

Due to postural demands, dental professionals are at high risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Dental clinicians' lack of ergonomic awareness may impede the clinical application of recommendations to improve their posture. The aim of this study was to determine whether feedback involving photography and self-assessment would improve dental hygiene students' ergonomic scores and accuracy of their ergonomic self-assessments. The study involved a randomized control design and used a convenience sample of all 32 junior-year dental hygiene students enrolled in the autumn 2016 term in The Ohio State University baccalaureate dental hygiene program. Sixteen students were randomly assigned to each of two groups (control and training). At weeks one and four, all participants were photographed and completed ergonomic self-evaluations using the Modified-Dental Operator Posture Assessment Instrument (M-DOPAI). During weeks two and three, participants in the training group were photographed again and used those photographs to complete ergonomic self-assessments. All participants' pre-training and post-training photographs were given ergonomic scores by three raters. Students' self-assessments in the control group and faculty evaluations of the training group showed significant improvement in scores over time (F(1,60)=4.25, p<0.05). In addition, the accuracy of self-assessment significantly improved for students in the training group (F(1,30)=8.29, p<0.01). In this study, dental hygiene students' self-assessments using photographs resulted in improvements in their ergonomic scores and increased accuracy of their ergonomic self-assessments. Any improvement in ergonomic score or awareness can help reduce the risks for WMSDs, especially among dental clinicians.

Musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienist and students of dental hygiene

“…Recent studies have suggested the employment of methods of self‐assessments using photographs as mean of improving accuracy of ergonomic self‐assessment and ergonomic scores among dental hygiene and dental students. These strategies were found to be useful only in the short term …”

What are the effects of photographic self‐assessment on students' risk for musculoskeletal disorders using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment

“…The findings were similar in a study conducted by Partido, with students reporting an improved ability to "catch" themselves while working in poor ergonomic positions. 16 Students also said they had a sense of connection to their overall practice, including awareness of instrumentation. These types of thoughtful relationships demonstrate the importance of identifying strategies to bridge the theory to practice gap.…”

Longitudinal effects of utilising photography on the accuracy of ergonomic self‐assessments amongst dental hygiene students

“…17 Although clinical faculty can aid in identifying postural problems and providing ergonomic feedback, improvements may remain momentary if students lack the awareness necessary to prevent ergonomic problems. 18,19 The use of feedback with the use of self-assessment and photography was shown to improve the accuracy of ergonomic self-assessment and ergonomic scores amongst dental hygiene and dental students over a 4-week period. 18,19 However, the long-term effects of the ergonomics training are yet unknown.…”

“…18,19 The use of feedback with the use of self-assessment and photography was shown to improve the accuracy of ergonomic self-assessment and ergonomic scores amongst dental hygiene and dental students over a 4-week period. 18,19 However, the long-term effects of the ergonomics training are yet unknown.…”

“…The use of photography by faculty members to facilitate student ergonomic self-assessments has been shown to serve as a feasible and practical method to improve student self-awareness and postures. 18,19 The combination of student self-assessments with a discussion of the faculty member's evaluation promotes the development of the autonomous, self-regulated and competent dental and dental hygiene clinician. 5 Because most students perceive an inadequacy with self-assessment skills, faculty-guided student self-assessments become more especially important.…”