Prevalence of ocular injuries, conjunctivitis and musculoskeletal disorder–related issues as occupational hazards among dental practitioners in the city of Salem: A randomized cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Similar to several other occupations, dentists are also stricken by bounteous occupational health hazards (OHHs) such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ocular health–related issues. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diffusion of MSDs and ocular health–related issues among dental surgeons in Salem city, Tamil Nadu, India, according to age, sex, and number of practicing hours per week. Objectives: A survey was conducted to examine the rate of prevalence of these OHHs amidst the dental surgeons in Salem city. Materials and Methods: The study was performed through a questionnaire amidst 150 dentists practicing in Salem City, Tamil Nadu, India. Dental surgeons were questioned about any occupational disorder that they had experienced related to a musculoskeletal pain and its location whether in the back, upper limbs, or lower limbs. In extension to this, dental surgeons were asked about any ocular injury that they had. Results: MSD showed higher rate of occurrence correlated to ocular health–related issues. Conclusion: The practice of protective measures is crucial, in perspective of the high rate of these disorders in the community of dental surgeons.

Keywords

• Dental practitioner
• musculoskeletal disorders
• occupational health hazards
• ocular injury
• pain