The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain of Dental Workers Employed in Slovenia

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal (MS) disorders are considered one of the most frequent occupational diseases among dental workers. Dental work consists of static, demanding tasks that involve repeated gripping of small-sized instruments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS pain, the areas of pain, and the risk factors for MS pain in dental workers. A self-administrated questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for dental workers who voluntarily responded to the invitation. To determine the prevalence and severity location of MS pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 87 dental workers, with a total of 79.8%, who reported at least one MS complaint. MS pain occurred in 82.6% of general dentists, 75.0% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, and 33.3% of dental technicians. Pain most frequently occurred in the neck (60.7%), upper back (52.4%), right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (41.7%), hips/buttocks (29.8%), and the right wrist (23.8%). The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Allied Dental Professionals: Is there an Underestimation of Related Occupational Risk Factors?

“…Lastly, radiology technicians stand, perform rotational movements and repetitive hand and wrist movements more frequently ( Table 2 ). Similar findings were seen in a study by Šćepanović et al [ 12 ], where 82.6% of general dentists had MSD, 75% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, including 33.3% of the dental technician sample; however, no explanations were offered for the difference observed.…”

“…In an open-ended question, the most reported suggestion from the participants to reduce MSD symptoms was a workload reduction; this included reducing the session duration and workload, enabling breaks, and increasing the number of employees. The suggestion determined by the participants was consistent with published studies that recommended the inclusion of breaks during the working hours as a strategy to reduce MSD symptoms among dental practitioners [ 12 , 29 , 60 ]. Osman found that taking breaks between appointments was significantly associated with a reduced prevalence of pain [ 46 ].…”

“…Regarding working seated or standing, studies did not find a difference in MSD risk between sitting and standing [ 12 ]. Moreover, Samat et al found that repetitive movement, prolonged sitting, and excessive movement were not associated with an increased risk of MSDs [ 28 ].…”

“…Similar physical demands have also been observed among allied dental professionals (ADPs) (i.e., dental assistants, dental radiology practitioners, and dental lab technicians). Their work patterns consist of a static posture (standing or sitting), prolonged incorrect posture, and repeated gripping of small-sized instruments that demand precision [ 12 ].…”

“…This, in combination with other risk factors, have led to ADPs being one of the professions with the highest risk of developing MSDs alongside dentists and dental hygienists [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Such a high prevalence of MSDs among dentists and ADPs has been attributed to complex and several risk factors and it includes biomechanical, personal, and psychosocial components.…”