Ergonomic strategies for dental professionals

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Dental Practice Management
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) pose a significant risk to dental professionals' long-term health and career sustainability.
• The dental field requires repetitive motions and sustained awkward postures, increasing susceptibility to CTDs.
• Understanding practice modifications is crucial for preventing work-related musculoskeletal issues in dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of practice changes implemented by dental professionals to reduce CTD risk.
• To identify common strategies adopted by dental professionals for pain management and prevention.
• To evaluate the perceived effectiveness of these changes in mitigating work-related pain.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 95 dental professionals, gathering data on pain occurrence, location, and workplace modifications.
• The survey also inquired about the perceived effectiveness of implemented changes.
• A response rate of 55% (52 surveys returned) was achieved.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of pain was reported, with 96% of respondents experiencing pain during or after work.
• The majority of dental professionals (88%) have made changes to their work practices to address pain.
• Commonly employed strategies included stretching, maintaining good posture, personal relaxation, and instrument upkeep.

Conclusions:

• Dental professionals frequently experience pain and actively modify their work environments to combat cumulative trauma disorders.
• Ergonomic instruments, workstations, and updated instrumentation strategies are perceived as effective, though slightly less so than other methods.
• Continued emphasis on ergonomic solutions and health-promoting practices is vital for the well-being of dental professionals.