Abstract
Background:
Dentistry is a strenuous job involving sitting in the same position, using hands constantly and eyes focused. These work conditions make one vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Affecting clinical performance and long term wellbeing of dentists.
Objectives:
To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning dental ergonomics, to establish the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort in Pakistani dental professionals of various clinical settings.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study, which involved a structured self-administered online questionnaire with 29 items determined the demographic factors, awareness of ergonomics, clinical practice, and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.
203 participants, including house officers, general dentists, postgraduate trainees, and consultants from private and public institutions.
Results:
203 respondents 74.1% female majority aged 20-25 years and 28.6% males aged 20-25 years. Musculoskeletal complaints lower back and neck/shoulder pain were the most frequently reported, whereas the wrist and hand discomfort were relatively low .
Majority of the respondents show good knowledge of the ergonomic principles, and only about 30% had received formal ergonomics training.
Conclusion:
The article indicates that dental practitioners in Pakistan have a high rate of work-related musculoskeletal pain due to moderate levels of ergonomics awareness. Lack of adequate training leads to bad ergonomic practice hence training programs and workshops should be encouraged to enhance workplace ergonomics, which can help promote a healthier and more sustainable dental workforce