'Back to Basics': A Self-Administered Survey of Undergraduate Dentists' Prevalence, Impact and Understanding of Lower...

The aim of this paper is to assess the prevalence, impact, and understanding of Lower Back Pain (LBP) amongst final year dental students to inform the development of a module in the dental curriculum. LBP has a significant impact on the dental workforce; yet little is reported about the profession's knowledge, or the necessity for tailored self-care education.

A single-centred online survey was administered to final year dental students at a UK dental school. This used carefully selected criteria following the review of the limited validated evidence base, with a robust methodological approach to survey design.

There was an 86% response rate. LBP is prevalent amongst dental students, with 58% experiencing LBP in the past 6 months. 29% had reduced recreational and professional activity as a result, and 14% had sought professional help. Understanding of LBP varied; 92% identified the practice of dentistry to be the greatest contributing factor, whilst 89% deemed correcting posture to be the most effective prevention method. A majority, 53%, believed LBP would resolve without treatment, although confidence in management was poor. Almost all responders supported inclusion of back pain education in undergraduate dental curricula.

This research has revealed a belief system that may have negative influences on dental professionals' lower back health. Dental professionals may lack education on musculoskeletal disorders and have a poor understanding of the prevention and management of LBP. The results have informed the development of a LBP module aiming to improve undergraduate awareness and positively impact future working life.