title: Insights into ergonomics among dental professionals of a dental institute and private practitioners in hubli-dharwad twin cities, India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among dental professionals of Hubli-Dharwad twin cities, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Investigator-developed, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ergonomics during dental practice was filled in by undergraduates, house surgeons, postgraduates, and faculty members of dental institutions and private practitioners from Hubli-Dharwad twin cities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were collected from a total of 250 participants, 50 belonging to each academic group. Overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 52%, 75%, and 55%, respectively. Significant correlation was found for age with attitude (χ(2) = 10.734, p = 0.030) and behavior (χ(2) = 12.984, p = 0.011). Marital status was significantly associated with all the three domains; knowledge (χ(2) = 29.369, p = 0.000), attitude (χ(2) = 29.023, p = 0.000), and practices (χ(2) = 13.648, p = 0.009).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants had considerable awareness and behavior toward ergonomics in dental practice. The high attitude score indicates stronger acceptance of ergonomics principles and guidelines during routine dental procedures. The current study highlights the situation of ergonomics in dental practice in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Shrivardhan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kalghatgi
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Kakarla Veera Venkata
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Jodhpur Dental College General Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Kumar Gaurav
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Chhabra
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Shravani
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deolia
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Jodhpur Dental College General Hospital, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Chaya
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chhabra
keywords: India; dental professionals; ergonomics; private practitioners