Use of Dental Loupes and its Association with Musculoskeletal Problems Amongst Dentists in Pakistan
Musculoskeletal problems represent a collection of significant occupational diseases marked by discomfort and impairment impacting the musculoskeletal system, encompassing nerves, tendons, muscles, and intervertebral discs. Their prevalence is notably elevated, leading to heightened disability...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
2025-04-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Liaquat National Hospital |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/jlnh/pdf/9c513462-b45e-4b5f-813a-ae96c775232e.pdf |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Musculoskeletal problems represent a collection of
significant occupational diseases marked by discomfort
and impairment impacting the musculoskeletal
system, encompassing nerves, tendons, muscles,
and intervertebral discs. Their prevalence is notably
elevated, leading to heightened disability rates among
healthcare professionals [1]. Musculoskeletal problems
and neck and back pain are gifts in disguise associated
with the dental profession. Over the years there has
been an alarming increase in the number of dentists who
are suffering from cervical problems regardless of their
age in the profession. This has been because the dental
profession is quite a demanding profession in terms
of long working hours and awkward postures so that
dentists can have proper vision and accessibility of the
oral cavity [2].
In a recent study conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, it
was discovered that 83% of the dentists suffered from
cervical pain and were mainly from a younger age
group (20-35 years) mainly due to faulty posture [3].
In another study, the severity of neck disability was
calculated amongst practising dentists from different
age groups. The study revealed that only 16.6% of the
sample had no neck disability, the rest 83.4% suffered
from neck disabilities ranging from mild to complete
disability of the neck [4]. These alarming statistics give
us an idea of how the lifestyle of dental professionals
might be affected at an early age just because they
neglect certain ideal working protocols or are unaware
of them. However, these challenges can be overcome
by educating and emphasizing ergonomics and chair
positioning at undergraduate levels, so that dentists do
not feel the need to modify their practice later on. In the
long run, adopting an indirect vision with appropriate
posture and allowing ample time during procedures
proves more beneficial than hastily altering positions to
achieve a direct vision and expedite tasks.
The introduction of dental loupes over the years has
helped to subdue the challenges faced by dentists by
providing accurate magnified vision without bending
their neck or back. It helps to maintain the posture and
provides superior treatment outcomes as well. In recent
findings, it has been established that dentists who used
loupes experienced significantly lower MSPs compared
to their counterparts [4]. A study conducted by Ehab et
al., in 2020 stated that 83% of those who used dental
loupes did not experience neck pain while 70% of those
who did not use loupes had MSPs [5]. Not only the
use of loupes and knowledge of ergonomics should be
promoted but limiting long working hours along with
breaks and exercises should be incorporated in dental
practice.
Even in modern dentistry, less than half of the dental
community uses loupes this is mainly due to their
expensive nature and lack of training to use them [6].
Moreover, as dentistry is advancing all over the world,
it is deemed necessary to evolve the dental practice with
the use of loupes, hence making them readily available
and accessible to dental professionals with adequate
training, assuring favourable treatment outcomes in the
future with limited failures. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2959-1805 2960-2963 |