Ergonomics of work and movement disorders among dentists

Abstract

Dentists in the workplace are exposed to a number of factors that affect the condition of the movement system. The main problem seams to be the static nature of work due to the adoption of forced body position. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between the use of ergonomics principles in the professional work of dentists and the occurrence of motor disorders. In addition, knowledge of the principles of dental ergonomics in this group was assessed. The study was conducted among 79 dentists. The knowledge and application of the principles of ergonomics and the occurrence of ailments within the motor system were evaluated. Only 4% of dentists were taking a break from work after each patient, while 18% were working without interruption. The vast majority (84%) of dentists, while performing dental surgery, took a sitting position. More than half (54%) of dentists who participated in the study worked with assistants. Among people who experience pain in the cervical spine 54% of people worke in the position with neck inclined to the right. Most principles of ergonomics are not correct, so they should be adjusted individually to a particular dentist taking into account its physical capabilities, the geometry of the work environment, the range of activities performed, and personal preferences as well.