Browsing by Subject "Occupational Health"

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of long sickness absences and early retirement. Dental work is physically strenuous, and many studies have shown a relation between work-related MSDs and dentistry. However, fewer studies have focused on how these complaints affect the work ability of dentists. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between MSD, work ability and sickness absences among Finnish dentists and dental students. Methods: A questionnaire was sent to 1200 dental workers and students, eliciting their age, gender, use of dental loupes, physical exercise, use of health care; and site, length, and frequency of musculoskeletal complaints. Work ability was assessed on the basis of four parameters: work ability score (WAS), future work ability (FWA), self-estimation of MSD-related work disability, and sickness absence days. Results: We received 255 responses to the questionnaire (response rate 21%). The majority (90%), of the respondents had experienced MSD during the past year, but only eleven per cent had been on sick leave. The MSDs correlated significantly with WAS, FWA and MSD-related work disability. The results remained significant after adjustment for age. Age was a strong predictor of declined work ability, but gender, physical exercise or dental loupe use did not have a significant impact. Conclusions: Despite all the ergonomic advances in modern dentistry, the incidence of MSD symptoms remains high. MSDs significantly affect dentists' work ability, but the amount of sickness absence is relatively low, which may indicate a high level of presenteeism.