Affiliations: [a] Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| [b] School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, USA
| [c] Department of Ergonomics, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| [d] School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| [e] Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Vahid Gharibi; MSc in Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran. Ph.D. Student of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Tel.:+982332361718; E-mail: gharibivahid@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are major challenges in the occupational health services industry. Dental practitioners are regularly subjected to ergonomic risks, which can cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in various body regions. OBJECTIVE:This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to investigate MSDs and select a proper ergonomic risk assessment method in dental practice. METHODS:This study was conducted on 70 dentists and 70 administrative staff of dental offices (comparison group) from Shahroud, Iran. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and two observational ergonomic risk assessment methods, including Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), were utilized. RESULTS:The results suggested that the mean score of musculoskeletal discomforts was significantly higher in dentists than in the administrative personnel. Additionally, the results of multiple regression analysis technique inferred that job tenure, working hours, and age had a significant impact on total MSDs. Regular exercise was found to significantly reduce neck discomfort complaints. It was also found that QEC was more effective in predicting musculoskeletal discomforts compared to REBA. CONCLUSION:Considering the high incidence of WMSDs in dentists, various interventional measures revolving around ergonomically redesigned workstations, enhanced physical working conditions, and ergonomic training courses are suggested.
