Ergonomic Risks in Dental Workplace

Since dentistry is a man machine system, it does require ergonomic and engineering intervention to get maximum man machine efficiency. In history dentistry was analyzed as a man machine system in pure engineering terms ignoring its ergonomic aspect. Dentistry as a field of study for ergonomics was identified by T. M. Khalil in his paper, “Dentistry: A Growing Domain for Ergonomics�. [1]. Taking inspiration from this paper a study was conducted in Indian dental scenario to access the possible possibilities of ergonomic interventions in field of dentistry. A multidisciplinary and multi directional study of dental practitioners and students, practicing in a typical day was conducted for three consecutive days. During this the workplace ergonomics, arrangement of equipment and instruments, on work videography of dental practitioners, students and patients was done with consent. The results shows that the dentists are prone to musculoskeletal hazard. Working in awkward posture with curved back, neck bent and head forward to gain clear vision and access to patient’s mouth and sitting in this posture for prolonged time increases the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).