Year : 2015

Volume : Volume 5

Issue : Issue 3

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Safeer Jaweed
safeerjaweed@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Ergonomics is the scientific study of people and their working conditions, especially done in order to improve effectiveness. In Greek, “Ergo” means work, and “Nomos” means natural laws or systems. Ergonomics, therefore, is an applied science concerned with designing products and procedures for maximum efficiency and safety. Ergonomics modifies tools and tasks to meet the needs of people, rather than forcing people to accommodate the task or tool. An ounce of prevention is better than pounds of cure. That’s what dental health care workers spend their day telling their patients, but it also applies to working conditions that can cause pain in the neck, shoulder and hand to a dentist. Dentistry is a profession that generally produces various musculoskeletal pains and soreness which are slow to appear and consequently the symptoms are usually ignored until they become chronic and permanent lesions become evident. This article reviews risk factors causing musculoskeletal disorders, their signs, symptoms, application of ergonomic principles and possible interventions, so that one can be aware of the developing problems so as to change his/her approach to work or alter the workstation set up to prevent further injury.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), Dentistry, Exercises, Neutral posture, Occupational hazards.