Posture evaluation of dental students

Abstract EN

Correct dentist posture and position during clinical work are of great importance to prevent neck, back pain and muscle fatigue.

Therefore, this observational survey was conducted to evaluate the posture of dental students in King Abdulaziz University (KAU) during clinical procedures.

Thereafter, recommendations were given in order to improve errors in existing postures.

Almost 300 dental students from the third through the sixth grades were observed randomly during their clinical sessions.

The evaluation included: the patient’s chair position, the student’s chair, back and elbow positions depending on the quadrant treated.

Furthermore, whether viewing the operative field in a direct or indirect manner and the type of magnification used during clinical work, if any.

Results showed that 43 % of the students placed their patients’ chair within normal limits (almost supine).

50 % of the students’ backs were bent; 33% of students’ elbows were below the level of the quadrant treated ; 50 % of the students approached the maxillary arch directly ; only 3 male students used magnifiers, and 60 % of the students experienced neck or back pain after clinical work (mostly females).

Therefore, it was highly recommended that students continuously evaluate and correct their whole body posture during a clinical work.