ERGONOMICS: A Must for Dentistry: A Cross Sectional study in various parts of Northern India

Objective: To identify the ergonomic factors causing various health hazards in among dentists practicing in Northern India. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among the dentists practicing in various parts of Northern India. Convenience sample of 1000 dentists who met the inclusion criteria was taken and those who agreed to participate. Data collection was done by the means of structured questionnaire for ergonomic factors. The variables evaluated were a) Gender b)Age c)Awareness d) Relaxation while working e)Work environment f)Presence of pain g) eye related problems due to adoption of inadequate posture h)measures taken to prevent the injury or pain Results: The results of the study shows that 65.1%samples corresponded to females and 34.9 samples were males. 85%reported muscular pain due to the clinical practice and rest 15% did not report any kind of pain. Conclusion: Ergonomics related health hazards are a common affliction in dentists which begins at the time they start their professional studies and it stays with them during their professional practice affecting various parts of the body.