The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Among Dental Hygienist and Students of Dental Hygiene

Background: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among dental professionals is reported to range between 64-93% (Hayes 2009, 2013). About 70 % have upper extremity disorders such as Carpal tunnel syndrome tendinitis and CMC1 osteoarthritis (Andrew 2016; Booyens 2009; Van Rijn 2009). High rates of MSD have also been reported among dental hygiene students (Andrew 2016).

Objective The objectives of the study were: a) to evaluate the frequency of reported MSD of dental hygienist and students of dental hygiene; b) to compare the frequency of reported MSD between dental hygienist (hygienist group) and students of dental hygiene (student group) and between the later and undergraduate students in a non-clinical track (control group).

Method: A cross-sectional study consisted of 85 dental hygienist, 17 dental hygiene 2^nd year students and a control group of 103 students. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) (Kuorinka 1987).

Results: No significant differences (p>.05) were found between the dental hygienist group (mean=3.6 SD=2.2; mean=2.2 SD=1.9) and dental hygienist students (mean=3.7 SD=1.8; mean=1.8 SD=1.4) in the number of body parts with MSD and pain intensity respectively. However significant differences (p<.05) were found between the dental hygienist students and controls (mean=2.7 SD=1.7; mean=1 SD=1) in number of body parts with MSD and pain intensity respectively. In the upper extremity both the dental hygienist and student complained of MSD most frequently in the shoulder followed by the wrist and finally the elbow.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of MSD among dental hygienists workers and students stresses the need for ergonomic intervention in these populations.