Correlation of awareness and practice of working postures with prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals.

Over the last 20 years, a great many innovations have been introduced that are designed to reduce laborious activities; however, an unexpected consequence of these developments is a trend toward a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged static postures that are accompanied by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs have become a major issue of concern because the afflictions can be severe enough to disable professional careers. Although clinical dentistry is a field with immense potential for MSDs, only a few studies have investigated this issue. The present study was carried out addressing prevalence and awareness level of MSDs among 500 dental professionals from Central India. Also, the interrelationship between practices of working postures with occurrence of pain in different body parts were assessed using a structured questionnaire format. The results were statistically significant, and indicated that the prevalence of MSDs is high and that there is a dire need to enhance awareness regarding correct working postures. This study encompassed all factors that can be addressed as causes for MSDs among dentists.