Evaluation of the Knowledge and Level of Information about Equipment Ergonomics in Interns and Postgraduate Students of K.M. Shah Dental College: A Questionnaire Study.

Abstract

Introduction: Dentists are more prone to work associated injuries and illness, which lead to long-term disabilities. Most prevalent work related problems are the musculoskeletal injuries(MSI) so self-recognition by the dentists are the first critical steps to avoid these risk factors. Materials and methods: Total of 180 postgraduate students and interns participated in the study to assess knowledge regarding equipment ergonomics using 21 questions. They were allotted to fill the printed questionnaire. The filled questionnaire was collected and analysed using chi square test. Results: This study shows that postgraduate students were more aware regarding proper chair position, operatory light and hand instruments than the interns. Statistically significant differences found between postgraduates students and interns with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Knowledge of postgraduate students regarding equipment ergonomics is more than the interns but practical application of equipment ergonomics was found to be lacking.