Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System among Tehran, Iranian Dentists

Abstract

Objectives: Although dental practitioners are confronted with a number of musculoskeletal disorders, relatively few studies have focused on this profession. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of some musculoskeletal complaints of dentists in Iran.

Methods: Four hundred and forty-six dentists in Tehran city, Iran were surveyed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems. We administrated a Persian–language version of the Nordic Questionnaire for this purpose.

Results: Data gathered from Iranian dentists showed that most dentists [81%] reported pain in at least one joint. The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders during the previous 12 months were reported in the neck [64.4%], upper back [57%] and shoulder [50.7%]. Knee disorder and hips/thighs disorder were statistically associated with years of practice [p < 0.05] and wrist disorder was associated with weekly work time [p = 0.027].

Conclusion: The study suggests that Iranian dentists suffer from various musculoskeletal disorders. There is a scope for further decreasing the prevalence and severity of those disorders by ergonomic improvements, postural corrections and exercise training.

• Dentists
• musculoskeletal disorders
• nordic
• prevalence
• questionnaire

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the generous assistance of the staff of School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University. This study was supported by a grant (No. 132/9369) from Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.