Repetitive Strain Injuries and its Incidence in Practicing Dentists

Background The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with repetitive strain injuries in practicing dentists and the means that can reduce the incidence of it.   Methods A representative sample of practicing dentists (aged 21 through 69 years) from Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh states of India was randomly selected. The authors collected the data through a self-administered questionnaire that asked for information about the number of hours they practice a day, their postures during treatment procedures, and whether they had any other means to prevent developing Repetitive strain injury. The Authors did a descriptive analysis of the study.   Results A final sample of 500 dentists participated in this Study. The results showed 86.4% of the surveyed dentist had RSI. The incidence of RSI was 80% among men and 85% among women. Occurrence of RSI had a direct co-relation to the number of years of practice, the number of hours they practice a day, and number of patients they treat in a day. It had an indirect correlation to the number of hours of their sleep and their regular exercises. One of the most startling findings was that, 85% of dentists who have been practicing for less than 5 years had RSI.   Conclusion Improper postures, repetitive movements without intermediate stretches, and failure to adopt the proper ergonomics for work are the frequent cause for repetitive strain injuries. Repetitive strain injury was an influencing factor in work fatigue among dentists and reduction in providing quality treatment to patients.   Clinical Implications Dental Practitioners mostly retire from practice due to Repetitive Strain Injury rather than any other reason hence arises the need to educate them about the causes of repetitive strain injury and how ergonomics can effectively be used to reduce it