Features of ergonomics violations by dentists during endodontic interventions

Abstract

Summary. There is a lack of literature data regarding possible relationship between the features of non-compliance with ergonomic recommendations by dentists and the consequences of various iatrogenic interventions in terms of their quality and effectiveness. At the same time, it is necessary to systematize the existing characteristic patterns of ergonomics among dentists during the root canals treatment in terms of the impact on them such derivatives as current experience, average hours, features of logistics and the use of different types of tools and means for optical magnification.

The aim of the study – to determine the main features of ergonomics violations by dentists during endodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods. In order to achieve objective of study, the features of the working pattern of 32 dentists, who ensured the implementation of endodontic interventions for an average of at least 3 hours a day, were monitored. Monitoring of the work of dentists was carried out only during their treatment of the root canals of permanent teeth in adults. During the monitoring process, the observer provided periodic completion of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) questionnaire in accordance with the original methodology.

Results and Discussion. A pronounced increase in the trend of non-compliance with the ergonomic parameters of the work was observed with the average number of hours for endodontic interventions per day at the level of 5 or more hours. Compared with the use of an operating microscope, the use of binoculars or magnifying loupes of different designs was characterized by an increase in the frequency of REBA indicators registrations at the level of 4-7 from 25,0% to 33,33%, and a decrease in the frequency of registration within the range of 2-3 points from 50,0% to 33,33%.

Conclusions. Most dentists in the study demonstrated violations of basic ergonomic principles according to the used REBA criteria, which argues for the need to correct their working pattern for the optimization purpose, and the need to study further relationships between specific indicators of the above criteria and the registered success of endodontic treatment and the prevalence of various types of errors made at the stage of mechanical and medical treatment of root canals, as well as at the stage of their obturation.