Perceived musculoskeletal symptoms among dental students in the clinic work environment

Abstract

Musculoskeletal symptoms are a major concern among dental practitioners. Dental students perform the same clinical tasks as dentists in private practice, yet only recently has scientific evidence suggested a relationship between the tasks and musculoskeletal symptoms. This study investigates the clinical tasks that place students at physical risk and the relationship between the tasks and musculoskeletal symptoms. Student perceptions of physical symptoms were established with a questionnaire identifying variables on general health, tasks, physical demands, workload and environment. A total of 61% (358/590) reported that during the past year they experienced musculoskeletal symptoms related to work at dental school (second year (n = 212), third year (n = 201) and fourth year (n = 177)). Of those students, the neck represented 48%, shoulder 31%, back 44% and hands 20% (p < 0.001). Third year students reported the highest occurrence of symptoms in every body area (p < 0.001). Third and fourth year students reported significant relationships between the occurrence of symptoms and equipment utilisation, work efficiency and general health. Further studies are recommended to evaluate types and levels of potential risk factors. A total of 75% of dental practitioners are at risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Results from this study have found that dental students were no exception. Third year dental students reported the highest level of musculoskeletal symptoms with the prevalence of pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back.

Analysis of spine loads in dentistry—impact of an altered sitting position of the dentist

“…Former studies concluded that changes in treatment positions of the dentist and/or ergonomic sitting stools and/or arrangements of the medical practice will lead to significant reductions in spine exposure [8,12]. However, the detailed data of the explorative study did not reveal substantial differences of exposure relevant body postures due to an altered treatment position of the dentist.…”

“…The deviation from neutral zero was very small in TS and higher in CS and LS. The frequently postulated assumption that dentists work in a sewer bended and twisted posture [8,11] could not be confirmed. During 90% of the non-surgical treatments the combined postures ranged between "small" and "medium" deviation from neutral zero.…”

“…These data indicate that back pain is a major health problem for dental practitioners and methods are needed objectifying the causes and to identify appropriate intervention strategies [11]. With regard to ergonomic improvements studies indicated that a specific treatment position ("9 o'clock" vs. "12 o'clock") or a specific dentist's stool directly affects the impact on the spine and the dentist's health [8,12]. However, up to date potential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dentistry were only assessed due to questionnaires and qualitative reports of observation studies [13].…”

“…However, low back and neck pain is a severe and common occupation related injury in dentistry. Survey data revealed a one year prevalence of back and neck pain of about 70%-90% [8][9][10]. Moreover, Wunderlich et al [10] could estimate that about 80% of the affected German military dentist population occupy medical help to deal with the pain.…”

Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders Related to Patient Transfer Tasks Using the Direct Nurse Observation Instrument Method

“…Healthcare jobs are known to be at high risk for WMSDs (5)(6)(7). It is estimated that about 33% of all cases of sick leaves among healthcare providers are related to MSDs (8).…”