Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Versus Clinical Simulation Sessions on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Ergonomics

Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Versus Clinical Simulation Sessions on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Ergonomics Among A Group of Dental Interns: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A healthy dentist is one of the most important components of a successful dental practice. It is estimated that more than half of practitioners have some kind of painful work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

It was reported that 80% of dental students were not aware of ergonomic posture during dental procedures. It is believed that dental students with knowledge of ergonomic principals would be able to maintain their health. Some studies demonstrated that the frequency and severity of WMSDs might decrease by training the dentists on ergonomic principles.

This study will be carried out on dental interns in Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, in Faculty of Dentistry-Cairo University. The procedures will be carried out by postgraduate student Nourhan Saad Mohamed who has M.D.S. (2018) - Cairo University- Egypt, and works as Assistant Lecturer in Future University in Egypt. The procedures will be done without assistant at a lecture room and outpatient clinic of Pediatric Dentistry in Cairo University.

At baseline, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on ergonomics in dentistry will be do e through a self-structured questionnaire.

Afterwards, the participants will be split into two groups. One group will recieve training on ergonomic principles through clinical simulation session, while the other group will recieve training through Computer-aided sessions.

KAP will be re-evaluated after the training sessions to evaluate the change in KAP about ergonomics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dental interns who accept to participate in the study.
• Graduates of governmental or private dental schools.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Interns with history of chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
• Interns who perform other physical activities which required forced posture.
• Interns with history of fracture in the ribs or vertebrae.