Assessment of the ergonomic risk of dental students using the Owas method

Abstract

Dentists for their work can adopt abnormal postures, generating a risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, if ignored, cumulative physiological damage can cause an injury that affects professional exercise. Objective: The study evaluated the ergonomic risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in dental students using the Ovako Work Analysis System (OWAS). Material and Methods: Observational study in students enrolled (n = 90) in the last semester of undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Central University. To determine the risk of developing musculoskeletal problems, video images and photographs of students were used while performing various clinical procedures that were evaluated using the OWAS method. Observations were made over a period of 20 to 40 minutes with an interval of 30 to 60 seconds of rest. A risk score was attributed after each procedure performed by the student. The prevalence of risk of musculoskeletal disorders was estimated by position. Results: The greatest risk occurred in the back, 68% of the students assumed a position that in the long or short term would need consideration due to the risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. 60% presented an unfavorable position for the arms. Regarding the load on the feet, more than 80% worked sitting, so the risk was lower in this position; strength was not observed as a risk factor. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of medium risk (2 and 3) of developing musculoskeletal disorders mainly in the back was observed in students of the last semester of the Dentistry degree.