Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and its Correlation with Ergonomics among Dental Students and Practitioners of Karad- A Questionnaire Based Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) is an ordeal for dental professionals, as they work for long hours in astatic and discomfited posture. Aim: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its co-relation with ergonomics among dental students and private practitioners in Karad. Materials and Methods: The present observational study was undertaken in the Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, from January 2019 to March 2019. The study population filled a questionnaire related to socio-demographic information, musculoskeletal pain arising from professional practice and ergonomics. Group 1 consisted of 53 private practitioners and group 2 consisted of 47 postgraduate students and interns. Results: A total of 79.25% and 59.57% of participants from group 1 and 2, respectively experienced musculoskeletal pain, with neck being commonly affected and lower extremities being least. Musculoskeletal pain was found to be significantly associated with working hours (p=0.001) and poor ergonomics. Conclusion: MSD is prevalent among dental students and practitioners of Karad. Awareness of proper ergonomics and preventive measures and its application is required for its management.