Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dentists and Their Awareness with Ergonomics at Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Ergonomics is the science dealing with adapting the job site to workload, regarding the employees' capacities. There was a significant decline in the percentages of work-related Musculoskeletal disorders WMSDs among dental professionals, upon following dental ergonomics strictly.
Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists working at Zagazig University
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among the dentists working in Zagazig University Clinics (ZUCs). Dentists, who were (96) in number and were interviewed individually at ZUCs during their working time about the possible work-related risk factors that may influence them. In addition, they were asked about how they deal with awkward postures during work. Moreover, they were asked about self-reported WMSDs in the last 12 months. Furthermore, they were questioned about the presence or lack of precautionary measures at work for treating WMSDs. Results: A higher prevalence of standing as a style of dental practice (48.9 %) was observed compared to sitting (21.9 %), while the alternative standing and sitting as a style of practice was 29.2 %%. In addition, 100% of participants did not know ergonomics and how to apply it in dental settings. Conclusion and Recommendations: Alternative postures can minimize WMSDs prevalence significantly. Subsequently, we recommend the introduction of dental ergonomics in dental care practice and the dental students' curricula.