Dental Hygiene ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-12-2024

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders, MSDs, are a serious issue many dental professionals experience. It is understood that improper ergonomics are a contributing factor to developing MSDs. Several factors can be implemented into a dental hygienist’s everyday routine to help decrease the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate how many practicing dental hygienists experience musculoskeletal pain from daily hygiene practice and how ergonomics contributes to their level of pain. The study also discovered through self-assessment, areas participating dental hygienists would be willing to improve on in their daily ergonomic practice to potentially help decrease or prevent future pain. A total of 25 surveys were completed. The results determined that nearly all (n=21) participants experience some level of pain due to clinical dental hygiene, with the most common location being the neck.

Degree Name

Dental Hygiene

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Dental Medicine

First Committee Member (Chair)

Justine Ponce

Second Committee Member

Robin Gatlin

Third Committee Member

Christina Calleros

Language

English

Keywords

ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders

Document Type

Thesis

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