Presentation
Optimizing Health and Practice in Central New York Dentistry: A Study of Ergonomic and Wellness Practices and Readiness for Change
SessionPoster Session 2
DescriptionWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) remain a leading cause of occupational injury in the U.S., accounting for nearly 30% of all workplace injuries and costing employers an estimated $50 billion annually in direct expenses (CDC, 2025). Dental professionals are especially vulnerable due to sustained static postures, repetitive fine-motor tasks, and ergonomic strain inherent to clinical care (Lietz et al., 2018; Longridge et al., 2020). The neck, shoulders, and lower back are most frequently affected, often resulting in cumulative trauma and chronic dysfunction (Haas et al., 2020). Compounding these risks are psychosocial stressors—such as workload, low autonomy, and performance pressure—which have been shown to exacerbate pain and hinder recovery (Meints & Edwards, 2018). Despite decades of ergonomic research, WRMD prevention strategies remain inconsistently adopted across dental settings (Rickert et al., 2021). An integrative approach that includes wellness promotion may provide a more sustainable solution.
This study aimed to explore the physical symptoms experienced by dental professionals that may be associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), assess the current use of ergonomic equipment and principles, and evaluate the extent to which wellness practices are being utilized by dental professionals in Central New York
Methods:
This study gathered preliminary demographic information, current physical symptoms that could be linked to WRMD, current uses of ergonomic equipment and principles, and wellness practices data from dental professionals in Central NY using the “Ergonomics, Physical Activity, and Wellness Survey for Dental Professionals (EPAWS-DP).
The EPAWS-DP survey contained four sections. Demographics and Physical Symptoms questions included the person’s role in the dental practice, age, biological sex, and experience level. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was included to identify the location and severity of musculoskeletal pain and its interference with daily workplace activities. The Ergonomics In The Workplace section included questions about working posture, workstation seating, magnification aids, light sources, instrumentation features, office seating and computer workstations, and work organization strategies (work-rest ratios). The Wellness Practices section included questions about a dental professional’s workplace nutrition, mental health, and hydration practices, as well as their physical activity levels and sleep habits. The Readiness for Change section assessed a dental professional’s perception of the importance, readiness, and confidence to initiate change in workplace ergonomic, health, and wellness practices.
The questionnaire was validated by a panel of certified professional ergonomists and piloted with several dental offices using SurveyMonkey ™. The final questionnaire utilized a mix of Likert scale survey responses and open-ended questions. Eighteen responses were collected (10 dentists, 4 dental assistants, and 4 dental hygienists).
Results/Conclusion:
Musculoskeletal symptoms were highly prevalent, with 66.7% reporting shoulder pain and 55.6% reporting lower back pain in the past year; 81.3% attributed their symptoms to work-related causes. Ergonomic practices were suboptimal: only 12.5% maintained optimal head and neck posture for more than 75% of their workday, and 43.8% maintained optimal wrist posture for less than 25% of the time. While 83.3% used height-adjustable seats, 88.9% lacked adjustable arm support, and 100% did not use split keyboards. Wellness behaviors varied, with 66.7% consuming coffee daily, 55.6% sleeping 6–7 hours per night, and 83.3% reporting walking as a regular activity. All participants rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to initiate ergonomic and wellness changes at 5 or higher on a 10-point scale.
Statistically significant group differences were found. Neck pain was reported only by dental assistants and hygienists (p = .040), and assistants were more likely to use stretch breaks (p = .019) and alternate sitting/standing (p = .010). Dentists used head-mounted lights more frequently (p = .003), while assistants and hygienists reported greater confidence in initiating ergonomic changes (p = .030). Despite these disparities, all participants rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to improve ergonomic and wellness practices highly, suggesting broad support for targeted interventions. Symptom clustering was also evident: neck pain was positively correlated with wrist/hand pain (r = 0.66, p = .001), Lower back pain was significantly correlated with shoulder pain (r= 0.791, p < .01), and hip/thigh pain with knee pain (r = 0.62, p = .003). Notably, the use of stretch breaks was negatively correlated with musculoskeletal symptoms (r = –0.68, p = .001), suggesting a protective effect, and Years of experience was negatively correlated with maintaining optimal posture (r = -0.732, p = .001).
Wellness habits varied across participants. Only one-third (33.3%) drank three or more bottles of water during the workday, while two-thirds (66.7%) consumed coffee. Sleep hygiene was moderate, with 55.6% sleeping 6–7 hours per night and 72.2% maintaining consistent bedtimes. Physical activity was relatively common: half of the participants reported usually following an exercise routine, exploring nature was commonly reported (61.1%), and 83.3% said they regularly walked for physical activity. All participants (100%) rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to implement ergonomic and wellness changes at 5 or higher on a 10-point scale. This unanimous response reflects a strong collective motivation and perceived ability to improve occupational health practices
Results revealed significant occupational health concerns across roles. Dentists were more likely to utilize advanced ergonomic tools; however, they expressed lower confidence in implementing ergonomic changes compared to dental assistants and hygienists. Conversely, assistants and hygienists reported greater readiness to adopt ergonomic improvements but had limited access to key equipment features. Correlations showed that musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly associated with poor ergonomic and wellness practices. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic and wellness interventions in dental settings to improve work-related symptoms and to improve the quality of dental professionals’ work-life.
Clinical Relevance/Take Away Points:
The results of this study identified profession-based disparities in ergonomic practices, wellness behaviors, and musculoskeletal symptoms among dental professionals.
Correlations showed that musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly associated with poor ergonomic practices, including suboptimal wrist posture and lack of stretch breaks.
Wellness practices that focus on stress-reduction behaviors varied by profession, with hygienists and assistants more likely to engage in coping strategies such as music, self-talk, and aromatherapy.
These findings highlight profession-specific ergonomic risks and readiness for change, underscoring the need for tailored interventions, including workplace-specific education in the dental practice settings that integrate both ergonomic and wellness education along with structured implementation strategies.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
Haas, Y., Naser, A., Haenel, et al. (2020). Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and associated conducted therapy approaches among dentists and dental assistants in Germany. PLOS ONE, 15(11), e0241564. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241564
Lietz, J., Kozak, A., & Nienhaus, A. (2018). Prevalence and occupational risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals in Western countries: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 13(12), e0208628. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208628
Longridge, N. N., Panju, R., & Fox, K. (2020). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dental students: A cross-sectional, pilot study from the U.K. university teaching hospital. Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment, 6, 079. https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-3243.1510079
Meints, S. M., & Edwards, R. R. (2018). Evaluating psychosocial contributions to chronic pain outcomes. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 87(Pt B), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.01.017
Rickert, C., Fels, U., Gosheger, G., et al. (2021). Prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases of the upper extremity among dental professionals in Germany. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 14, 3755–3766. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S316795
This study aimed to explore the physical symptoms experienced by dental professionals that may be associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), assess the current use of ergonomic equipment and principles, and evaluate the extent to which wellness practices are being utilized by dental professionals in Central New York
Methods:
This study gathered preliminary demographic information, current physical symptoms that could be linked to WRMD, current uses of ergonomic equipment and principles, and wellness practices data from dental professionals in Central NY using the “Ergonomics, Physical Activity, and Wellness Survey for Dental Professionals (EPAWS-DP).
The EPAWS-DP survey contained four sections. Demographics and Physical Symptoms questions included the person’s role in the dental practice, age, biological sex, and experience level. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was included to identify the location and severity of musculoskeletal pain and its interference with daily workplace activities. The Ergonomics In The Workplace section included questions about working posture, workstation seating, magnification aids, light sources, instrumentation features, office seating and computer workstations, and work organization strategies (work-rest ratios). The Wellness Practices section included questions about a dental professional’s workplace nutrition, mental health, and hydration practices, as well as their physical activity levels and sleep habits. The Readiness for Change section assessed a dental professional’s perception of the importance, readiness, and confidence to initiate change in workplace ergonomic, health, and wellness practices.
The questionnaire was validated by a panel of certified professional ergonomists and piloted with several dental offices using SurveyMonkey ™. The final questionnaire utilized a mix of Likert scale survey responses and open-ended questions. Eighteen responses were collected (10 dentists, 4 dental assistants, and 4 dental hygienists).
Results/Conclusion:
Musculoskeletal symptoms were highly prevalent, with 66.7% reporting shoulder pain and 55.6% reporting lower back pain in the past year; 81.3% attributed their symptoms to work-related causes. Ergonomic practices were suboptimal: only 12.5% maintained optimal head and neck posture for more than 75% of their workday, and 43.8% maintained optimal wrist posture for less than 25% of the time. While 83.3% used height-adjustable seats, 88.9% lacked adjustable arm support, and 100% did not use split keyboards. Wellness behaviors varied, with 66.7% consuming coffee daily, 55.6% sleeping 6–7 hours per night, and 83.3% reporting walking as a regular activity. All participants rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to initiate ergonomic and wellness changes at 5 or higher on a 10-point scale.
Statistically significant group differences were found. Neck pain was reported only by dental assistants and hygienists (p = .040), and assistants were more likely to use stretch breaks (p = .019) and alternate sitting/standing (p = .010). Dentists used head-mounted lights more frequently (p = .003), while assistants and hygienists reported greater confidence in initiating ergonomic changes (p = .030). Despite these disparities, all participants rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to improve ergonomic and wellness practices highly, suggesting broad support for targeted interventions. Symptom clustering was also evident: neck pain was positively correlated with wrist/hand pain (r = 0.66, p = .001), Lower back pain was significantly correlated with shoulder pain (r= 0.791, p < .01), and hip/thigh pain with knee pain (r = 0.62, p = .003). Notably, the use of stretch breaks was negatively correlated with musculoskeletal symptoms (r = –0.68, p = .001), suggesting a protective effect, and Years of experience was negatively correlated with maintaining optimal posture (r = -0.732, p = .001).
Wellness habits varied across participants. Only one-third (33.3%) drank three or more bottles of water during the workday, while two-thirds (66.7%) consumed coffee. Sleep hygiene was moderate, with 55.6% sleeping 6–7 hours per night and 72.2% maintaining consistent bedtimes. Physical activity was relatively common: half of the participants reported usually following an exercise routine, exploring nature was commonly reported (61.1%), and 83.3% said they regularly walked for physical activity. All participants (100%) rated the importance, readiness, and confidence to implement ergonomic and wellness changes at 5 or higher on a 10-point scale. This unanimous response reflects a strong collective motivation and perceived ability to improve occupational health practices
Results revealed significant occupational health concerns across roles. Dentists were more likely to utilize advanced ergonomic tools; however, they expressed lower confidence in implementing ergonomic changes compared to dental assistants and hygienists. Conversely, assistants and hygienists reported greater readiness to adopt ergonomic improvements but had limited access to key equipment features. Correlations showed that musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly associated with poor ergonomic and wellness practices. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic and wellness interventions in dental settings to improve work-related symptoms and to improve the quality of dental professionals’ work-life.
Clinical Relevance/Take Away Points:
The results of this study identified profession-based disparities in ergonomic practices, wellness behaviors, and musculoskeletal symptoms among dental professionals.
Correlations showed that musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly associated with poor ergonomic practices, including suboptimal wrist posture and lack of stretch breaks.
Wellness practices that focus on stress-reduction behaviors varied by profession, with hygienists and assistants more likely to engage in coping strategies such as music, self-talk, and aromatherapy.
These findings highlight profession-specific ergonomic risks and readiness for change, underscoring the need for tailored interventions, including workplace-specific education in the dental practice settings that integrate both ergonomic and wellness education along with structured implementation strategies.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ergonomics/
Haas, Y., Naser, A., Haenel, et al. (2020). Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and associated conducted therapy approaches among dentists and dental assistants in Germany. PLOS ONE, 15(11), e0241564. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241564
Lietz, J., Kozak, A., & Nienhaus, A. (2018). Prevalence and occupational risk factors of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals in Western countries: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 13(12), e0208628. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208628
Longridge, N. N., Panju, R., & Fox, K. (2020). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dental students: A cross-sectional, pilot study from the U.K. university teaching hospital. Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Treatment, 6, 079. https://doi.org/10.23937/2572-3243.1510079
Meints, S. M., & Edwards, R. R. (2018). Evaluating psychosocial contributions to chronic pain outcomes. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 87(Pt B), 168–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.01.017
Rickert, C., Fels, U., Gosheger, G., et al. (2021). Prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases of the upper extremity among dental professionals in Germany. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy, 14, 3755–3766. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S316795
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeTuesday, March 244:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationRhinelander Gallery
Hospital Environments