Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists from Constanta, Romania after COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a category of work-related diseases affecting the dentists. The aim of this work is to investigate among dentists from Constanta the prevalence and characteristics of MSD, their posture during working and the adoption of ergonomic standards. Methods: A sample of 280 dentists working in private practice in Constanta were invited to participate to this study. The response rate was 65% (n=182). The participants filled a 35-items questionnaire including personal data, working position, MSD characteristics and treatment. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: 67% of the dentists reported the presence of MSD and 71% consider that symptoms are related to the dental activity. MSD were located mostly in cervical area and neck (41%), followed by lower back (24%). No statistical correlation was found between presence of MSD and body weight (p=0,7). A sitting position was always used by 27% of subjects, 46% are using both sitting and standing working postures. No statistical significant correlation was found among the presence of MSD pathology and the activity of the dentists during Covid-19 pandemic (p=0,8). Conclusion: A high percentage of dentists reported MSDs. The main location is the spine, the cervical and lower back area. It is concluded postural problems leading to neck and back reported from the dentists in Constanta are comparable to those from other countries. Adoption of correct posture, sport and stretching exercises could prevent or minimize the effect of static dental activity.