Musculoskeletal pain among Minnesota dental hygienists.
Using a 33-item questionnaire, this study was conducted to determine the nature and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dental hygienists, and its effects on clinical practice. An 89% response was obtained from a random sample of 493 dental hygienists. Results revealed that 68% of the respondents reported having musculoskeletal pain in eight body locations the previous year. In addition, a large percentage of dental hygienists with a preexisting condition reported having musculoskeletal pain. Thirty-four percent stated that musculoskeletal pain had affected their clinical practice--forcing them to practice fewer days, decreasing their endurance, reducing speed and quality, and/or altering operating positions. The findings suggest that particular locations of pain could be related to dental hygiene practice. Further research is indicated to clarify specific patient-operator positions contributing to musculoskeletal pain so that prevention and early treatment become possible.
Osborn
J B
JB
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis.
Newell
K J
KJ
Rudney
J D
JD
Stoltenberg
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D006801:Humans; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires