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

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.