Abstract

Background and Objectives: Occupational health problems are increasingly common worldwide during the past decades. National and state government have recognised the need to protect the occupational health of the people since the development of nation depends upon its manpower. Practising dentistry is not an easy task because it involves repetitive, awkward and stressful movements of hands and wrists and have to contort their body while using variety of hand tools to perform work in the oral cavity. So musculoskeletal disorders are very common among the dentists. This study was to find out the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the dentists in Ernakulam district.

Methods

Design: Cross-sectional study.

A modified semi-structured questionnaire based on Nordiac questionnaire was distributed to 238 dentists selected by cluster random sampling, working in various dental clinics and dental colleges of Ernakulam district and data related to musculoskeletal disorders and lifestyle of the dentists were collected.

Results and Discussion: By analysing the data, an overall prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Ernakulam district was 78.6%. Continuous work load, prolonged static and awkward postures are considered to be the main causative factor for musculoskeletal disorders. So application of proper ergonomics, postural corrections  and implementation of Ayurvedic diet and regimens and Yoga practice can help the dentists to overcome the musculoskeletal disorders which occurred as a result of their profession.

Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in Ernakulam district is very high. The most affected joint in dentists is Neck.58.4% of dentists complained of problem in neck region. Next most affected joints were Low-back and Upper back. From this survey among the dental specialities, Orthodontists, Endodontists Prosthodontists, paediatric dentists and dental surgeons are at higher risk of MSD.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, Dentists, Survey.