SADJ : journal of the South African Dental Association = tydskrif van die Suid-Afrikaanse Tandheelkundige Vereniging
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Musculoskeletal trouble (ache, pain, discomfort) originating in the neck, shoulder, and back is a common occupational hazard among dental professionals worldwide, The significance of this problem justified research into the prevalence of these symptoms among dentists in South Africa for which there is currently no information. ⋯ This cross sectional study revealed a self-reported 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal trouble (ache, pain, discomfort) among dentists in South Africa of 77.9% involving the neck, 69.8% the lower back, and 72.4% the shoulders, Multiple regression analysis showed that a
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The continuing practice and increased popularity of bare-knuckled fighting in South Africa poses a challenge for healthcare workers dedicated to preventive dentistry and to preventing the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases. ⋯ Orofacial injuries are frequent among traditional fist fighters. Teeth and soft tissue sustained the most injuries. It is recommended that protective devices such as mouth guards and headgears be introduced among these fighters to reduce the incidence of orofacial injuries.
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Dentistry is a high risk profession for the development of musculoskeletal disorders as it is characterised by visual demands which require the adoption of static working posture. Headaches and vertebral pain has been positively correlated to poor ergonomic working posture adopted by dentists. The aim of this study was to examine the work posture adopted by dentists in the metropolitan region of Durban and Verulam in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, as well as to report on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort experienced by this cohort. ⋯ The most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal pain sustained by dentists was the vertebrae (49.32%), wrist (18.75%), shoulder (16.66%) and lower leg (12.5%). The mechanism of the musculoskeletal pain was attributed to the poor ergonomic work posture and work position adopted by dentists in relation to their patients. It is concluded that vertebral musculoskeletal pain is most prevalent among dentists practicing in the metropolitan region of Durban and Verulam.
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Review Meta Analysis
A meta analysis of the prevalence of spinal pain among dentists.
Physical exertion among dentists seems to put them at increased risk for the occurrence of spinal pain. ⋯ Ergonomic interventions including exercise and therapeutically based preventative measures may have an impact on reducing high prevalence of spinal pain.