Introduction: Dentistry is a profession with significant occupational hazards, including physical strain, mental stress, microbial threats, and notably, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). These disorders affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, and are exacerbated by occupational tasks and environmental factors. The prevalence of WMSDs among dental practitioners ranges from 10.8% to 97.9%, with common areas affected including the lower back, shoulders, neck, and hands. This study aims to assess the impact of professional ergonomic training on the posture of third and fourth-year dental students using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. Material and Methods: This interventional, randomized, double-blind study was conducted, involving 70 third and fourth-year dental students. Participants received didactic theory lectures and clinical demonstrations on ergonomic principles, followed by supervised clinical practice for 30 days. Posture assessments were conducted using digital photography, and REBA scores were calculated at baseline, one-day post-lecture, and after 30 days. Scores were categorized into risk levels, and statistical analysis was performed using the Microsoft SPSS statistical package 2.0. Results: At baseline, 60% of participants were in the medium-risk category and 40% in the high-risk category according to REBA scores. One day post-lecture, there was a substantial decrease in high-risk participants to 7.1%, with an increase in the medium-risk group. By Day 30, 84.3% of participants were in the low-risk category, with significant improvements in posture noted ( P < .001). Discussion: The study revealed a significant reduction in WMSD risk levels among dental students following professional ergonomic training. The notable shift from high and medium-risk categories to a predominantly low-risk category underscores the efficacy of the ergonomic intervention. These findings are consistent with some prior studies and highlight the importance of integrating ergonomic principles into dental education to promote long-term practitioner well-being. Conclusion: Professional ergonomic training has a significant positive impact on reducing the risk of WMSDs among dental students. Incorporating ergonomic education into dental curricula can enhance practitioner health, improve patient care quality, and extend professional longevity. Future research should include larger sample sizes, long-term follow-up, and a broader range of participants to further validate these findings.
Shekar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.