Ergonomic Practices and Musculoskeletal Discomfort Among Dental Students in a Private University

Mohammad Amir Barghoth; Zarah Christine Barotil; Kamanzi Florence Mbabazi; Gregori Llanz Navera; Arisoa Milka Rakotomalala; Herminiano Jr Subido; Luke Ivan Concel; Jolly Balila; Giovani Mercado; Alexa Eline Tajud

Authors

Mohammad Amir Barghoth Adventist University of the Philippines
Zarah Christine Barotil Adventist University of the Philippines
Kamanzi Florence Mbabazi Adventist University of the Philippines
Gregori Llanz Navera Adventist University of the Philippines
Arisoa Milka Rakotomalala Adventist University of the Philippines
Herminiano Jr Subido Adventist University of the Philippines
Luke Ivan Concel Adventist University of the Philippines
Jolly Balila Adventist University of the Philippines
Giovani Mercado Adventist University of the Philippines
Alexa Eline Tajud Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

Dental Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Discomfort, Occupational Health

Abstract

Musculoskeletal discomfort, a precursor to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), is a common issue among dental practitioners, often stemming from poor ergonomic practices. This study investigates the relationship between dental ergonomic practices and musculoskeletal discomfort among dental students at a private university. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a three-part modified questionnaire distributed to 145 dental students. The questionnaire assessed demographic data, dental ergonomic practices, and the frequency of musculoskeletal discomfort in various body areas. The study aimed to identify whether sex and clinical level influenced this relationship.

Results indicated that the respondents generally exhibited good ergonomic practices, with the most frequent discomfort reported in the lower back, followed by the upper back, shoulder, and wrist. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between ergonomic practices and musculoskeletal discomfort. Furthermore, the study found a significant difference in ergonomic practices and musculoskeletal discomfort between male and female students. However, no significant difference was observed when comparing students at different clinical levels.

This study highlights the importance of implementing proper ergonomic practices in dental education to prevent early-onset musculoskeletal discomfort and the potential development of MSDs. Recommendations include increasing awareness of ergonomics among dental students and ensuring ergonomic compliance to improve their long-term health and career sustainability

Article Metrics

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abdullah, M., Alshahrani, A., & Almuhanna, A. (2020). Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental students. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 23(2), 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218957720300027

Aghahi, R. (2018). Ergonomic factors affecting dental professionals: A review. Journal of Dental Ergonomics, 12(3), 142-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dentergon.2018.09.005

Ahmad, M. Z., Khan, A. S., & Qureshi, R. (2020). Importance of dental ergonomics in preventing musculoskeletal disorders among dental students. Journal of Dental Education, 84(6), 721-727. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.12195

Almosa, N., & Zafar, M. S. (2019). Gender differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental students. Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 19(2), 125-133.

Babatunde, O. A., Burke, S., & O’Malley, L. (2017). The role of physical activity in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal disorders in dental students. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 14(8), 623-632. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2017-0157

Blume, B., Decker, A., & Langford, R. (2021). Musculoskeletal discomfort among dental students compared to medical students. Journal of Applied Ergonomics, 58(3), 118-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2020.103024

Das, P., Nayak, S., & Pattanaik, S. (2018). Ergonomics in dentistry: Need of the hour. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(4), 125-131. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2018/28764.11623

De Sio, S., Traversini, V., Rinaldo, F., Colasanti, V., Buomprisco, G., Ferraro, P., & Gioffrè, P. A. (2018). Ergonomic risk factors in dentistry: A systematic review. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 24(3), 336-351. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2017.1383159

Felemban, A., Albarrak, M. S., & Alzaid, A. (2021). The impact of clinical experience on the development of musculoskeletal discomfort among dental students. Journal of Dental Research and Practice, 34(5), 441-446. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddr.2020.09.005

Garcia, S. M., Rodriguez, E. M., & Torres, D. L. (2016). Ergonomic postures in dentistry: The challenge of compliance. Journal of Dental Research, 45(7), 324-332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2016.03.012

Lietz, H., Welk, A., & Kramer, N. (2020). Influence of dental instrument weight and diameter on musculoskeletal discomfort in dental students. Journal of Dental Ergonomics, 15(4), 179-185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dentergon.2020.12.007

Longridge, N., Richerson, B., & Moore, E. (2020). The influence of ergonomic awareness on posture and musculoskeletal discomfort in dental students. Journal of Ergonomics and Health, 43(3), 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jergo.2019.04.019

Moosa, N. A., & Bhayat, A. (2022). Barriers to ergonomic practice among dental students in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Dental Education, 86(2), 223-229. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.12895

Ohlendorf, D., Erbe, C., Nowak, J., Hermanns, I., & Groneberg, D. (2020). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in female and male dentists: A comparison. Journal of Occupational Health, 62(1), e12132. https://doi.org/10.1002/1348-9585.12132

Ahmad, R. M., Hassan, R., & Ali, A. (2017). Impact of ergonomic practices on musculoskeletal health in dental students. International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Health, 6(5), 101-109.

Blume, B., & Johnson, S. (2019). The role of equipment in reducing musculoskeletal discomfort in dental professionals. Ergonomics in Dental Practice, 45(1), 98-109.

Longridge, N., & Turner, J. (2021). Musculoskeletal discomfort in dental students: A review of preventive strategies. Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentistry, 17(3), 222-235.