Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116223

Tim F. Morse, PhD¹, Nick Warren, ScD², Heather Bruneau, MPH³, Jeff Dussetschleger, DDS⁴, Martha Sanders, MA⁵, Claudia Turcotte, CDA, RDH, MS⁶, and Martin Cherniack, MD, MPH². (1) ErgoCenter/Occupational & Environ Health/Community Med, University of Connecticut Health Center, MC 6210, Farmington, CT 06030-6210, 860-679-4720, tmorse@nso.uchc.edu, (2) ErgoCenter & Occupational & Environmental Health, University of COnnecticut Health Center, MC 6210, Farmington, CT 06030-6210, (3) Medical Student, University of Connecticut Health Center, Medical Student Affairs, Farmington, CT 06030, (4) ErgoCenter & Occupational & Environmental Health, University of Connecticut, MC 6210, Farmington, CT 06030-6210, (5) Occupational Therapy, Quinnipiac College, Echlin Center 216, Hamden, CT 06518, (6) Allied Dental Education, Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT 06032-9980

Neck and Shoulder MSD in Dental Hygienists Results of a prospective 2 year study of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among 94 experienced dental hygienists and 66 dental hygiene students will be presented. The NIOSH-funded study evaluated self-reported biomechanical risk factors, and also used the Job Content Questionnaire to evaluate risks for MSD. Neck and shoulder MSD was assessed using a detailed questionnaire and physician examination. Significant differences were found in self-reported neck and shoulder symptoms between experienced hygienists, students who also worked as dental assistants, and other students. Results will be presented of the relationship of biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors to symptoms and diagnoses.

Learning Objectives:

• List significant biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors for dental hygienist neck and shoulder MSD
• Identify the magnitude of MSD among experienced dental hygienists compared to dental hygiene students and assistants.

Keywords: Ergonomics, Health Care Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation