Work-related complaints of dentists and dental assistants

Summary

Occupational health problems of dental teams were investigated in 68 dentists and 90 dental assistants of Helsinki Health Centre. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used. Diagnosed diseases or discomforts of occupational origin were reported by 38% of the dentists and 12% of the dental assistants. Thirty-one percent of the dentists and 10% of the assistants reported having been on sick-leave during the 2 years prior to the survey because of some kind of occupational problem. As a consequence of years in the dental profession, musculoskeletal disorders of back and neck and stress were most frequently experienced by the dentists and rash or allergic reactions and respiratory infection by the assistants. Only 1% of both professional groups reported no aches while practising dentistry during the 6 months preceding the survey. The vast majority of subjects took regular physical exercise but practice of muscular relaxation or gymnastics at the place of work was unusual. The results indicate that dental teams need functionally designed dental equipment and proper training in ergonomic methods.