[Musculoskeletal problems among dental health personnel. A survey of the public dental health services in Hordaland].

A questionnaire concerning musculoskeletal discomfort was satisfactory completed by 329 (76%) of the employees in the Public Dental Services of Hordaland county during the winter of 1990. 81% of the respondents had experienced some sort of musculoskeletal discomfort during the last 12 months. Shoulder discomfort was reported by 45%. Neck discomfort had been experienced by 47%, and low back pain by 49%. The occurrence of other local discomfort was: hands/wrists 21%, upper part of the back 20%, hips 18%, knees 14%, elbows 12%, and ankles 10%. The dental personnel's experience of musculoskeletal discomfort did not differ from that found in the general Norwegian population. The respondents attributed by far the major part of the discomfort to their work. Only when localisation was considered were any occupational or gender-specific differences found. Neck discomfort increased with increasing age. Ergonomic equipment helped to alleviate discomfort in the shoulder. Perceived work load was positively associated with shoulder discomfort. Participation in sport activities showed negative association with discomfort in the lower hack.