Survey of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Risk Factors among Dentists and Providing Control Measures in Semnan

Work- Related musculoskeletal disorders are considered as one of the most common occupational disease among dentists. This study was conducted to determine prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders، work-related risk factors، and to provide control measures. This cross-sectional study was performed on 48 dentists in Semnan in 2011. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and work-related risk factors were evaluated using standard Nordic questionnaire and Rapid Entire Body Assessment method، respectively. Data were analyzed using chi square test. More than 80% of dentists complained about pain in at least one part of their body during last year. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were 58، 54، 46، 37، and 4% for neck، wrist، back، shoulders، and legs، respectively. There was no significant difference in prevalence of WMSDs between genders. No significant correlation was observed between age، work experience، BMI، and daily practice period with WMSDs in neck، wrist، back، shoulders، and legs. Findings from REBA indicated that more than 90% of dentists'' postures were above moderate risk range and require control measures. Majority of postures of the subjects studied requires to be improved and that ergonomic interventions seem to be necessary.