PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN CHENNAI

Aim: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental practitioners in Chennai. Background: Dentists and dental students are at high risk of musculoskeletal disorder and pain due to their static and prolonged work . This disease is a complex entity involving disease. Musculoskeletal disorder is said to be an injury or damage in the musculoskeletal system consisting of joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc,. Musculoskeletal pain, especially neck pain, is the most prevalent among dental practitioners. The study aims to find the other body regions that are affected and more prevalent among dentists. Methods: The study consists of an online survey comprising self prepared questionnaires The data collected are then tabulated and studied, with proper results the management of musculoskeletal disorder is well discussed. The study also focuses on the prevalence, comparison between genders, age, symptoms, causes and their treatment and management. Results: The most affected areas include the neck followed by shoulder and ankle/feet. A proper preventive measure to be taken to avoid falling into these pains. Pearson Chi Square test value shows p value is 0.002 (p value< 0.05). Hence, it is statistically significant. Conclusion: Thus, it is very much important to devote more attention to ergonomics at the working place of dental students as well as education in them.The physical workload that they do seem to put them into these risks of pain. During the course of investigation of musculoskeletal disorder, factors like psychosocial and other personal characteristics should be taken into account.