Psychological Assessment of Postural Predisposition of Cervical Pain and Discomfort According to Dentistry Job Title in Tikrit City

Abstract

The field of dentistry is mentally and physically a challenging profession and the majority of working dentists have musculoskeletal symptoms in the neck. This may be due to stress, tension and postural practices that can contribute to severe cervical pain and discomfort among dental workers. The aim of this study is to assess the posture relation to cervical pain and discomfort in dentists and its impact on their work.A cross-section study was carried out by convenience sampling methods on 150 dentistry students, dental practitioners and dental specialists in Tikrit city through researcher-administered questionnaire. Results shows that 44% of dentists have cervical pain and discomfort, 41.6% of males and 46.9% of females have cervical pain and discomfort and 75% of those older than 40 have cervical pain.Concerning cervical posture, 40.9% and 39.28% of those who have and haven’t cervical pain respectively, attended to switch between postures depending of the case.Cervical pain and discomfort occur in 46.55% of dental practitioners, 47.3% of those who practice more than 10 years, 57.14% of those who treated more than 10 patients daily, 53.3% of those who spent less than 30 minutes in treating patients and 55% of those who take rest rarely. Cervical pain and discomfort has caused 55% of dentists to decrease their work activity, 36% to be absent from work and 61% to increase time spent on work. Cervical pain and discomfort is regarded as a common condition among dentists in Tikrit city. It increases with age, dentistry practice years, number of treated patients per day and time spent on each patient.