Prevalence of Muscular Skeletal Disorders among Qualified Dental Assistants

Musculoskeletal disorders among dental assistants: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated sociodemographic and work-related factors among dental assistants (DAs) in the hail province, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Participants were 119 DAs with an average age of 28.9 years (SD ± 4.8 years), of whom 86.6% were females. A self-administered questionnaire which included Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and questions on socio-demographic and work-related factors was used. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the prevalence of MSDs during the past 12 months and 7 days. Multivariate binary logistic regression statistical tests were used to calculate the association between MSDs and socio-demographic and work-related factors.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of MSDs among DAs was significantly high, with 85.7% reporting symptoms during the past 12 months and 47.9% during the past 7 days. The shoulders, followed by the lower back, were the most common complaints among participants in the past 12 months and 7 days, followed by the upper back and neck. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis results show significant associations between MSDs and age, Body-Mass-Index (BMI), physical demands during working hours, work environment and posture awareness, and years of experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MSDs among DAs is high, and sociodemographic and work-related factors play an important role in exacerbation of MSDs in DAs.

Physical and psychological strain in upper Austrian elementary school teachers - an observational study

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main cause of pain leading to high economic burden and psychosocial disadvantages. In addition, psychological stress impacts the overall health as well as the quality of life. Elementary school teachers clearly are a cohort with a high risk of MSDs and stress. The 'BelaPrim' study was conducted to determine the physical and psychological conditions of elementary school teachers in Upper Austria and to investigate the influence of physical and psychological parameters on MSDs. Physical and mental strain was determined with the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the 11-item short version of a German work-related behaviour and experience assessment (AVEM), respectively. Despite a high prevalence of MSDs, high scores were found on personality dimensions. Furthermore, qualitative results indicated the need of administrative/pedagogical support. A linear regression model showed that body height (+), work engagement (+), and emotions (-) are predictors for the occurrence of back pain.Practitioner summary: Despite a high proportion of physical complaints, Upper Austrian elementary school teachers show good mental health. Body height, a high work engagement, and low level of emotions are predictors for the occurrence of back pain. Health initiatives for elementary schools should have a multifactorial view to improve teachers' health.Abbreviations: BA: professional ambition; BE: willingness to spend; VB: striving for perfection PE: ability to distance; DF: tendency to resign in case of failure; RT: offensive problem-solving: OP; inner calm and balance; IR: experiencing success at work; EE: life satisfaction; LZ and SU: experiencing social support.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09-1.84); I ² = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8-82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

Effects of Resistance Training as a Behavioural Preventive Measure on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Maximum Strength and Ergonomic Risk in Dentists and Dental Assistants

INTRODUCTION

For dental professionals, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common health hazards and resistance training programmes have been promising approaches in the quest for a reduction in the pain intensity of these professionals. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a trunk-oriented 10-week resistance training programme.

METHOD

In total, the study was conducted with 17 dentists and dental assistants (3 m/14 f) over a course of 10 weeks, with workouts being performed 2 times a week using a 60 min intervention programme consisting of 11 resistance training exercises. The outcome values that were collected were the pain intensity (visual analogue scale (VAS) combined with a modified version of the Nordic Questionnaire), the MVIC and the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) score (based on data from inertial motion units) during a standardised dental treatment protocol.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in pain intensity was found for each queried body region: the neck, upper back, lower back and the right and left shoulders. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) improved significantly in all outcome measures: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion and right and left rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

A 10-week resistance training programme for dentists and dental assistants had significant effects on pain intensity reduction and the MVIC of the musculature of the trunk and is, therefore, suitable as a behavioural preventive measure against MSD in dental professionals.

A Change Management Approach to Promoting and Endorsing Ergonomics within a Dental Setting

Musculoskeletal pain and disorders (MSDs) constitute a well-recognised occupational hazard to the dental community. Fortunately, they are preventable. Dental office ergonomics plays a key role in addressing these musculoskeletal challenges. An ergonomic improvement project based on Kotter's eight-step change model management theory was implemented within a dental practice. The project provided valuable evidence-based ergonomic interventions to prevent or reduce MSDs. The task force motivated staff to engage in strategies and interventions to enact an ergonomic vision. This case study represents an action plan to guide this ergonomic change. The key results of this project were an evidence-based ergonomics health promotional brochure, reduced sick leave attributable to MSDs, and workplace ergonomic checkpoints. The ergonomic change model represents an ongoing process where innovative trends and evaluative methods can be supported. Research limitations and practical implications were acknowledged.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09-1.84); I ² = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8-82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

A RULA-Based Comparison of the Ergonomic Risk of Typical Working Procedures for Dentists and Dental Assistants of General Dentistry, Endodontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Orthodontics

BACKGROUND

In general, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in dentistry is high, and dental assistants (DA) are even more affected than dentists (D). Furthermore, differentiations between the fields of dental specialization (e.g., general dentistry, endodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or orthodontics) are rare. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the ergonomic risk of the aforementioned four fields of dental specialization for D and DA on the one hand, and to compare the ergonomic risk of D and DA within each individual field of dental specialization.

METHODS

In total, 60 dentists (33 male/27 female) and 60 dental assistants (11 male/49 female) volunteered in this study. The sample was composed of 15 dentists and 15 dental assistants from each of the dental field, in order to represent the fields of dental specialization. In a laboratory setting, all tasks were recorded using an inertial motion capture system. The kinematic data were applied to an automated version of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

RESULTS

The results revealed significantly reduced ergonomic risks in endodontology and orthodontics compared to oral and maxillofacial surgery and general dentistry in DAs, while orthodontics showed a significantly reduced ergonomic risk compared to general dentistry in Ds. Further differences between the fields of dental specialization were found in the right wrist, right lower arm, and left lower arm in DAs and in the neck, right wrist, right lower arm, and left wrist in Ds. The differences between Ds and DAs within a specialist discipline were rather small.

DISCUSSION

Independent of whether one works as a D or DA, the percentage of time spent working in higher risk scores is reduced in endodontologists, and especially in orthodontics, compared to general dentists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons. In order to counteract the development of WMSD, early intervention should be made. Consequently, ergonomic training or strength training is recommended.

Ergonomic Comparison of Four Dental Workplace Concepts Using Inertial Motion Capture for Dentists and Dental Assistants

When the inventory is arranged in a dental practice, a distinction can be made between four different dental workplace concepts (DWCs). Since the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases in dental professionals is very high, preventive solution need to be investigated. As the conventionally used DWCs have, to date, never been studied in terms of their ergonomics, this study aims to investigate the ergonomic risk when working at the four different DWCs. In total, 75 dentists (37 m/38 f) and 75 dental assistants (16 m/59 f) volunteered to take part in this study. Standardized cooperative working procedures were carried out in a laboratory setting and kinematic data were recorded using an inertial motion capture system. The data were applied to an automated version of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Comparisons between the DWCs and between the dentists and dental assistants were calculated. In all four DWCs, both dentists and dental assistants spent 95–97% of their working time in the worst possible RULA score. In the trunk, DWCs 1 and 2 were slightly favorable for both dentists and dental assistants, while for the neck, DWC 4 showed a lower risk score for dentists. The ergonomic risk was extremely high in all four DWCs, while only slight advantages for distinct body parts were found. The working posture seemed to be determined by the task itself rather than by the different inventory arrangements.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Allied Dental Professionals: Is there an Underestimation of Related Occupational Risk Factors?

This study aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms in allied dental professionals (ADPs) in Saudi Arabia and risk factors for MSDs. The study also explores ADPs' opinions and attitudes about the effect of MSD symptoms on the quality of life and potential mitigatory measures. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Participants were 355 licensed dental staff (average age 33.6 ± 8.1 years, 69% women) working as assistants, lab technicians, radiology technicians, or sterilization technicians with at least six months' work experience. The self-administrated questionnaire comprised socio-demographics, work-related factors, and items from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate risk factors for MSD symptoms. Overall, 93% of ADPs complained of MSD symptoms in at least one body site in the past 12 months. Factors related to work conditions (e.g., 'keeping an uncomfortable posture for long periods of time', 'lifting heavy objects') and years of experience were proven to be significant risk factor for developing MSDs. The cohort of ADPs showed a high MSD symptoms prevalence. Efforts are imperative in addressing the risk factors of ergonomics and the workplace environment, and more rigorous studies are needed to further investigate risk factors.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Diseases of the Upper Extremity Among Dental Professionals in Germany

Objective

Although many findings on occupational musculoskeletal complaints are available from American and European dentists, the corresponding data from Germany are still scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide additional information on the prevalence of and risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity, particularly the shoulder in this specific population.

Methods

A written survey was carried out among 600 dentists in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Questionnaire items included physical and psychosocial workload, general health, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the previous 12 months that led to sick leave and medical care according to a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Regression analysis was used to evaluate relevant risk factors for severe musculoskeletal disorders.

Results

A total of 229 dentists were participated in the study (response rate 38%). Overall, 92.6% of the participants had already suffered from musculoskeletal symptoms in at least one body region. Symptoms were mostly reported in the neck (65.1%) and in the shoulder (58.1%). Limitations in daily activities were experienced by 15.9% due to neck pain and by 15.4% due to shoulder pain. Medical care was sought by 23.7% because of neck pain and by 21.1% due to shoulder pain. Risk factors for symptoms in the upper extremity regions were gender (female), increased physical load, and numerous comorbidities.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists. Suitable interventions are therefore needed to prevent musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals, with particular attention to female dentists.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and associated conducted therapy approaches among dentists and dental assistants in Germany

Background

Dental professionals are subjected to higher risks for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than other professional groups, especially the hand region. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of hand complaints among dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) and examines applied therapies.

Methods

For this purpose, an online questionnaire analysed 389 Ds (240female/149male) and 406 DAs (401female/5male) working in Germany. The self-reported data of the two occupational groups were compared with regard to the topics examined. The questionnaire was based on the Nordic Questionnaire (self-reported lifetime, 12-month and 7-day MSDs prevalence of the hand, the conducted therapy and its success), additional occupational and sociodemographic questions as well as questions about specific medical conditions.

Results

30.8% of Ds affirmed MSDs in the hand at any time in their lives, 20.3% in the last twelve months and 9.5% in the last seven days. Among DAs, 42.6% reported a prevalence of MSDs in the hand at any time in their lives, 31.8% in the last 12 months and 15.3% in the last seven days. 37.5% of the Ds and 28.3% of the DAs stated that they had certain treatments. For both, Ds and DAs, physiotherapy was the most frequently chosen form of therapy. 89.7% of Ds and 63.3% of DAs who received therapy reported an improvement of MSDs.

Conclusion

Although the prevalence of MSDs on the hand is higher among DAs than among Ds, the use of therapeutic options and the success of therapy is lower for DAs compared to Ds.