Musculoskeletal Pain among Different Dental Specialists in United ArabEmirates

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) is prevalent worldwide and is one of the commonest causes of long-term pain and disability affecting hundreds of millions of people. Prevalence of MSD among dental practitioners in UAE is not well documented. The present study aimed on studying the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among different dental specialists in the UAE, and correlating the region of pain with the type of clinical work done by the specialists. Materials and Methods: A sample of more than 100 dentists was chosen randomly from different emirates in UAE. An interview questionnaire was administered regarding the number of years of experience and the presence, region, duration, and type of musculoskeletal pain they experienced. Results: Musculoskeletal pain is experienced by 67% of participants, 83.3% of them were periodontists, 80% were conservative dentists, 77.8% were endodontists, 72.7% were orthodontists, 70% were oral surgeons, 63.6% were prosthodontists, 63% were general dental practitioners, and 50% of pedodontists. The results have also indicated that the region of experienced musculoskeletal pain does vary according to the specialty. From those dentists who experienced work-related musculoskeletal pain, 80% of conservative dentists experience pain in neck and shoulders, 66.7% of periodontists and 54.5% of orthodontists experienced pain in the lower back region. More than 50% of endodontists experienced pain in the neck and shoulders regions, and 39% of general dental practitioners who experience pain in the neck region. Conclusion: Preventive measures need to be taken to decrease the risk of dentists and dental specialists developing work-related musculoskeletal pain.