Disorders among Dentists in Punjab: A Questionnaire Study

Singh J; Sharma D; Gupta A; Vaid P; Singh R

Singh J Ravinder Dental Clinic, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Sharma D Shree Raghunath Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Gupta A Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Vaid P Desh Bhagat DentalCollege, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
Singh R Ravinder Dental Clinic, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Keywords: Dentist, Dentistry, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal disorder, Nordic questionnaire, Pain

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in neck and back was investigated, along with the risk
factors in association with MSDs were evaluated among dentists in Punjab.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among dentists using self-administered, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire.
Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used for the data analysis. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS version 20.
Results: A total of 160 dentists were included in the study. More than half of the respondents had experienced symptoms in
the neck (67.5%), upper back (56.25%), and lower back (63.75%). The prevalence of trouble in the neck increased when the
number of days worked per week increased. Risk factors (P < 0.05) included being >40 years of age, body mass index <18.5
as well as more than 24, no physical activity, increasing years of practice, and working with no more than one dental assistant.
Conclusion: There is a dire need to address and to change the way dentistry is practiced to the lower the risks to dental
practitioners. Dental professionals should be cautious and well trained to stop certain behaviors that can put their health at risk
as well as posture issues and ergonomics be inculcated in the educational system of dentistry.

Author Biographies

Singh J, Ravinder Dental Clinic, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

BDS, Associate Dentist

Sharma D, Shree Raghunath Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Dentistry

Gupta A, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Demonstrator, Department of Public Health Dentistry

Vaid P, Desh Bhagat DentalCollege, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Senior Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry

Singh R, Ravinder Dental Clinic, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

BDS, Head Dentist

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