Assessment of Biomechanics Disorders in Iranian Dentists

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The major work–related disorders in workplaces are biomechanics  disorders, which are the main reasons for workers’ disability. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of contributing factors to biomechanics  pain in dentistry. A descriptive analytical study was conducted on 200 dentists in Tehran, Iran. Nordic standard questionnaire was used to collect data about biomechanics  disorders via interview; Postural evaluation was performed by direct observation during work; photos were taken; videos were recorded; and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) was used for data collection. Ethics statement: the study was authorized to use human subjects by the university human research ethics committee (Irct ID: IRCT2014051117649N1). The prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI) ) of  neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, low back, and knee pains in the study sample were 22.0% (28.39 – 16.46), 25.5% (19.61 – 32.13 ), 8.5 (5.02 -13.26), 18.5 (13.37 – 24.59), 32.16 (25.72 – 38.60), and 32.5 (26.06 – 39.46), respectively. Based on multiple logistic regression results, the relationship between occurrence of  biomechanics  disorders in different parts of body and ergonomic factors such as working hours, height, work precedent, and demographic factors such as age, sex, marital status, and education was  significant (P value≤0.05). Postural evaluation during work using REBA, indicated high risk of biomechanics disorders for the dentists. Most of the determinants of biomechanics pain including being forced to work, job dissatisfaction, and body posture during work can be controlled. Therefore, the managers and decision makers’ attention in improving the quality of working conditions is important along with specific occupational health education.