Posture Before Practice: Mapping The Ergonomic Awareness Among Dental Students

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders among dentists often originate during undergraduate training due to poor posture and inadequate ergonomic awareness. Ergonomics aims to optimize work conditions for efficiency, safety, and well-being. Dentistry is physically demanding and involves prolonged static postures and repetitive movements, predisposing practitioners to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and highlighting the importance of early ergonomic education and posture training. The study is conducted to assess ergonomics knowledge, attitude, and posture-related practices among dental students before clinical practice.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 Dental UG and PG students. The study was based on 20 close ended questionnaires. Data was collected using self-administered questions assessing knowledge, attitude and practices related to dental ergonomics.

Results: Less than half of the participants were familiar with ergonomics (45.4%), and only 37.2% were aware of MSDs related to ergonomics. Although attitudes were positive, with 73.4% supporting ergonomic inclusion in the curriculum, ergonomic practices were inadequate.

Conclusion: Early ergonomic education is essential to prevent future work-related musculoskeletal disorders.