Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Related Risk Factors among Dentists

Due to shortage of studies about the high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dentists in Iran, we aimed at studying prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Tabriz dentists and determining the possible risk factors. In this descriptive-analytic study, 100 dentists (80 males and 20 females) in Tabriz, Iran were randomly recruited. Possible risk factors in work place were surveyed with a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and a schematic picture to determine the painful anatomic regions in the body. Prevalence of neck, low back, shoulder, wrist and hand pains was high (48%, 38%, 25%, and 25%, respectively). Between height<171 cm and non-exerciser dentists with thigh and hip pain, the non-adjustable setting units and wrist and hand pain, visiting 5-10 patients in a working day and knee pain, rest time less than five minutes between two consecutive visits and shoulder pain, not observing standard position during static, access to far objects in sitting position and thigh, hip and leg pain and prolonged posture and knee pain, repetitive activities and pain in neck, shoulder, thoracic, elbow, knee and leg, there was significant relationship (P<0.05). Neck and low back pain was very prevalent among dentists. Performing repetitive work in static posture was associated with the most of occupational related painful regions in the body.