Perception and Knowledge of Dental Ergonomics among Romanian Dental Students

Ioana Cristina Talpos-Niculescu, Andrei Zoltan Farkas (), Diana Lungeanu, Veronica Argeşanu, Mirella Dorina Anghel and Riham Nagib
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Ioana Cristina Talpos-Niculescu: Ergonomics Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Andrei Zoltan Farkas: Mechatronics Department, Polytechnic University, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
Diana Lungeanu: Center for Modeling Biological Systems and Data Analysis, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Veronica Argeşanu: Mechatronics Department, Polytechnic University, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
Mirella Dorina Anghel: Ergonomics Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Riham Nagib: Orthodontic Research Center “ORTHO-CENTER”, Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 24, 1-10

Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among leading factors for early retirement of dental practitioners while the application of ergonomic principles is often overlooked during dental education. The article aims to assess the need for dental ergonomics modules as an integrated part of the dental school curriculum and to quantify the significance and role of ergonomics in reducing musculoskeletal stress generated while undergoing dental training. The study design consisted of a three-part original close-ended multiple-choice questionnaire carried out among 75 sixth year students from “Victor Babeş” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timişoara, Romania. Questions focused on the basic knowledge of theoretical ergonomics, the ISO 11226 standard and means of improvement in undergraduate ergonomics training. Most students had an average level of knowledge regarding dental ergonomic principles. Data analysis showed that 62.16% agree that the information received in the second-year dental ergonomics course was helpful in regard to time organization. A high percentage (86%) also understood the correct positioning of the patient while performing dental procedures. Although implementation of ergonomic principles in the early dental training years has a high influence in the prevention of MSDs, students do not fully understand the impact this subject has on their future careers.

Keywords: dental ergonomics; dental students; ergonomic posture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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