"Musculoskeletal problem": Its prevalence among Iranian dentists

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Dental Practice
• Ergonomics

Background:

• Musculoskeletal problems (MSPs) represent a significant occupational hazard for dental practitioners.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors of MSPs is crucial for improving dentist well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among dentists in Iran.
• To identify demographic and occupational factors associated with MSPs in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 600 dentists.
• Data collected included demographic characteristics, headache, and physical complaints.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of MSPs was reported, with 67.5% of dentists experiencing physical problems.
• Commonly affected areas included the neck (51.87%), wrist (92.96%), waist (11.11%), and shoulder (7.40%).
• Significant correlations were found between MSPs and age, high body mass index (BMI), daily patient load, and low physical activity.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a very high prevalence of MSPs among Iranian dentists.
• Increased awareness regarding preventive measures and ergonomic principles in dental education is essential.
• Addressing occupational health issues is critical for the sustainability of the dental profession.