MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN NEW-SOUTH-WALES DENTISTS

This study describes the prevalence and distribution of symptoms of mu sculoskeletal disorders occurring in New South Wales dentists and inve stigates the relationship between these symptoms and work practices. F our hundred and forty two members of the Australian Dental Association (New South Wales Branch), were randomly selected and sent questionnai res. Eighty per cent (n=355) responded. No significant differences in reported symstoms were found when considering age, experience, handedn ess, operating position or period of working without a break. Eighty-t wo per cent of the respondents reported experiencing one or more muscu loskeletal symptoms during the previous month. Sixty-four per cent of the sample reported suffering pain (the majority reported back pain) a nd 58 per cent headaches. Most were symptoms reported were pain (39%) and headaches (25%). Those in the youngest age category of less than 3 5 years (26%), were significantly more likely to have headaches (chi(2 ) 4df p<0.05). Female dentists were more likely to rate the severity o f their most severe symptom higher (chi(2) 1df p<0.05), and to report more frequent pain (chi(2) 2dT P<0.05) and headaches (chi(2) 2df p<0.0 5). Those practising four-handed dentistry were significantly more lik ely to be in the 35-44 age range (chi(2) 4df p<0.01) to work for longe r periods before taking a 10-minute break (chi(2) 5df p<0.05) and to r eport frequent pain (chi(2) 2df P<0.05). The results support the findi ngs of previous studies conducted overseas but additional information about musculoskeletal symptoms in this occupational group has been ide ntified.