Assessment of knowledge about dental ergonomics among dental students of King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim: To assess the knowledge about dental ergonomics and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among dental students of King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, undergoing practical clinical training. Materials and methods: A self-designed questionnaire after pre-testing was distributed to 150 dental students of KSU undergoing clinical training, to collect data related to (a) basic knowledge about dental ergonomics; (b) any course/workshop about dental ergonomics attended; (c) basic knowledge about WRMSDs; (d) familiarity about preventive measures to decrease the risk of WRMSDs; and (e) knowledge about treatment options for WRMSDs. Results: One hundred forty-two students (95%) returned the completed questionnaires, of them 54 (38%) were males and 88 (62%) were females. The main findings of the study are that only 30% of the students knew about dental ergonomics; 93% of students have not attended any course/workshop about dental ergonomics; about half the students knew about WRMSDs; 62% of the students did not know about preventive measures to decrease the risk of WRMSDs, and 80% of students did not have knowledge about treatment options for WRMSDs. In general, female students had a better understanding of dental ergonomics and WRMSDs than male students. Conclusion: The basic knowledge of the dental ergonomics among dental students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not adequate. Clinical significance: There is a need for introducing dedicated theoretical and practical courses covering all aspects of dental ergonomics in the undergraduate curriculum of dental education.