Postural ergonomic risks during clinical dental training: A five-dimension observational analysis

BackgroundErgonomic problems are common in the field of dentistry due to musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that occur in various parts of the body as a result of poor posture and repetitive movements.ObjectivesTo analyze ergonomic errors by clinical area among dental students at a private university in Cusco.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study using secondary data was conducted, involving a population of 182 students selected according to specific criteria. A sample of 150 students from different areas of the dental clinic at a private university in Cusco, corresponding to the seventh, eighth, and ninth semesters, was analyzed. The RULA and REBA ergonomic scales were applied as assessment tools.ResultsThe study revealed that poor postures predominated in the pediatric dentistry clinical area across the five dimensions analyzed, followed by endodontics, restorative dentistry, periodontics, and oral rehabilitation.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of poor posture among dental students, highlighting the need for ergonomic education and preventive measures to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve the well-being of future dentists, regardless of their specialty.