title: Assessment of interns and postgraduate dental student's knowledge regarding equipment ergonomics.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The substantial knowledge concerning ergonomics and its practical application is vital for forestalling musculoskeletal disorders. The role of equipment ergonomics (EE) in preventing these work-related ailments is significantly noteworthy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess the prevailing perception of postgraduates (PGs) and interns regarding EE and preparing the Indian dental workforce for the challenges of India's growing economy and population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Authors conducted a cross-sectional survey between December 2013 and February 2014 amidst the interns and PG dental students of Davangere city, Karnataka, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were collected using 21-item custom designed proforma, comprising of questions evaluating student's basic knowledge about EE.
  
  
  METHODS
  Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test in each group (PGs and interns) and Mann-Whitney test was implemented for comparison between both groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 358 subjects surveyed, 48% PGs and 52% interns affirmed that they came across EE only through this survey. In addition, 91.18% of PGs and 90.59% interns believed that the accentuation on EE is less in the current dental curriculum.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comprehensive understanding and practical application of EE among the participants was found to be lacking. The importance of microbreaks and chair side exercises should be emphasized and training should be initiated at an early stage before improper postural habits develop.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: S Raja
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Rajeswari
authors.affiliation: Departments of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Triveni M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Gowda
authors.affiliation: Departments of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Tarun Ab
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Departments of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Kanchan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Arya
authors.affiliation: Departments of Periodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Dhoom Singh
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D003748:Dental Equipment; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D013335:Students, Dental; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires