Evaluation of Ergonomic Postures of dental Professions by Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) in North Khorasan, Iran

Muscular cramps are a familiar pain that most of dentists have experienced it at some period in their job. Situation and prolonged static positions، repetitive movements، being in a situation of long duration and age are factors causing these pains. This study aims to evaluate ergonomic risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. This descriptive – analytical study was conducted on 60 persons working at North Khorasan dental professions by REBA method in 2013. Musculoskeletal disorders data were obtained using the Nordic questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS18. results showed age and experience average were 41، 15 years respectively. The level of risk was average risk level (% 78. 3) and high level of risk (% 21. 7). The prevalence of disorders for different part of the body during the past 12 months was as followed: the neck (27%)، shoulder (40%)، elbow (20%)، hands (25%)، back (30%)، lumbar (46. 7%)، hip (23. 3%)، knee (25%) and foot (11. 7%). These disorders were higher in women than man. There were significant correlation between disorders with age، work experience and employment status (p<0. 005). It is concluded that the work conditions and postures need to be improved. Procedures such as dental education on the risks of the job، doing the job properly and work plans for the rest and appropriate exercise are essential.