The Intake of Pain Medication among Dentists and Dental Assistants with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Germany

Yvonne Haas,Werner Betz,Albert Nienhaus,Eileen M Wanke,Jasmin Haenel,Christina Erbe,David A Groneberg,Fabian Holzgreve,Laura Fraeulin,Daniela Ohlendorf,Antonia Naser,Doerthe Brueggmann

doi:10.3390/app11188771

Abstract

Background: Dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) have a high lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In this context, it is assumed that they have an increased intake of substances such as pain medication. Currently, there exist no data on the use of medication among Ds and DAs with MSDs in Germany. Methods: The online questionnaire (i.e., the Nordic Questionnaire) analysed the medical therapies used by 389 Ds (240 f/149 m) and 406 DAs (401 f/5 m) to treat their MSDs. Results: Ds (28.3–11.5%) and DAs (29.4–10.3%) with MSDs took medication depending on the affected body region. A trend between the Ds and DAs in the intake of drug therapy and the frequency was found for the neck region (Ds: 21.1%, DAs: 28.7%). A single medication was taken most frequently (Ds: 60.0–33.3%, DAs: 71.4–27.3%). The frequency of use varied greatly for both occupational groups depending on the region affected. Conclusion: Ds and DAs perceived the need for medical therapies because of their MSDs. Painkillers such as ibuprofen and systemic diclofenac were the medications most frequently taken by both occupational groups. The intake of pain killers, most notably for the neck, should prevent sick leave.

Highlights

Dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) are exposed to several risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to their occupational demands, such as prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, instrument vibration, poor lighting conditions, poor and awkward positioning of the dental health professionals (DHPs) when working on the patients or the poor positioning of the patients [1]
Occupational groups that were not regarded as Ds or DAs and dental students, as they have little or no practical experience depending on the year of study, were excluded
MSDs was significant for the neck (p = 0.02); after a Bonferroni–Holm correction, this significance did not hold

Summary

Introduction

Dentists (Ds) and dental assistants (DAs) are exposed to several risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to their occupational demands, such as prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, instrument vibration, poor lighting conditions, poor and awkward positioning of the dental health professionals (DHPs) when working on the patients or the poor positioning of the patients [1]. DHPs, like other healthcare professionals (HCPs), play an important role in society by maintaining the health of others The importance of this task may mean that Ds and DAs do not wish to, or cannot interrupt their work. In particular, have a responsibility in their medical work towards the patient, and an economic responsibility in the context of a managerial function or ownership of a practice towards the staff. This leads to the assumption that the interruption of dental work is not desirable, which may, predispose Ds and DAs to increased work injuries such as MSDs [2]

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