Affiliations: University of Connecticut Health Center, Ergonomics
Technology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington
Avenue-MC6210, Farmington, CT, USA. Tel.: +1 860 679 4023; Fax: +1 860 679
1349; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study is to address the high
prevalence and costs of musculoskeletal disorders in dental hygienists and
dental hygiene students by assessing the combined role of biomechanical and
psychosocial risk factors. The paper explores new methods for measuring the
effects of psychosocial risk factors (job stress) in hygienists. Methods: In a sample of practicing dental hygienists and dental
hygiene students in Connecticut, the study assessed biomechanical exposures,
psychosocial exposures, and symptom status by survey. Study participants were
examined by physicians, providing measures of symptom and disease status. Two
methods of bio-monitoring the potential effects of stress on the sympathetic
nervous system were used: vibrotactile perception thresholds and nerve
conduction velocity. Results: Biomechanical and psychosocial exposures have independent
and additive associations with the wide variety of outcomes, often of similar
magnitude. Biomechanical exposures tend to be associated with negative outcomes
in identifiable body areas, whereas job stress had fewer identifiable
associations with outcomes by body area. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that, in addition to
identifying and controlling biomechanical risk factors, dental schools, dental
practices, and dental hygienists themselves should pay attention to the
identification and control of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace.
Keywords: Job stress, biomechanical exposures, psychosocial exposures, sympathetic nervous system
