Disability of Neck and Shoulder among Female Dental Students: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The dentistry profession may lead to musculoskeletal pain. Although the literature highlights the high rates of neck-shoulder pain in dentists, clear evidence about the prevalence of musculoskeletal disability among female dental students is lacking. This study aimed to assess the disability level of neck and shoulder pain among dentistry students, to compare the disability level between clinical and pre-clinical dentistry students, and to assess the association between neck-shoulder pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH). Methods: This pilot study included 46 female dentistry students aged 19–26 years. Participant’s demographics were recorded. Pain intensity was obtained using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Neck and shoulder disability were measured by the NDI and the QuickDASH score, respectively. Results: 46 female dentistry students aged (21.3 ± 1.58) were included. Neck and shoulder pain occurrence were higher in clinical students compared to pre-clinical students. Pain and related disability were significantly and positively correlated. Conclusion: This study demonstrates high rates of neck-shoulder pain in female dentistry students and a significant difference in the prevalence rate between clinical and pre-clinical students.