Prevalence and Predictors of Musculoskeletal Pain Among Undergraduate Students at a Dental School in Saudi Arabia

Objective

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries to the musculoskeletal (MSK) system that occur due to repetitive or singular trauma and negatively affect one’s daily life. Dentistry is a field that exposes professionals to the highest rate of work-related MSDs. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of MSK pain among a sample of dental students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 377 dental students and interns at the dental school of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We distributed a validated questionnaire, the Nordic Back Pain Questionnaire, which included additional questions, to all dental students participating in clinical practice and to dental interns. Categorical variables were described by presenting frequencies and percentages, and continuous variables by displaying means and standard deviations. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors for developing MSK pain over the last 12 months.

Results

Overall, 91.2% of the participants experienced MSK pain or discomfort in one or more body parts over the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was for neck pain (69.2%), followed by shoulder pain (67.1%) and lower back pain (65%). Females were more likely than males to experience MSK pain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–6.7), and those who exercised regularly were less likely to experience MSK pain than were those who did not (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.1–0.6).

Conclusion

This study showed a concerningly high prevalence of MSD symptoms among dental students, especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Educational and occupational health programs in preclinical years could be effective for reducing MSK pain.

Characterization of the apical bridge barrier formed following amelogenin apexification

Background

Recombinant amelogenin protein (RAP) is reported to induce complete root apex formation in dog model when used as apexification therapy. It also induces pulp regeneration in 85% of the treated group. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the nature of the remaining regenerated calcified tissues of the RAP group that showed no pulp regeneration compared to the calcium hydroxide treated group (CH).

Methods

A total of 240 dogs’ open apex root canals were used, after establishment of canals contamination. Canals were cleaned, irrigated, and filled with RAP as an apexification material and compared with CH. Treated teeth were assessed by H&E, trichrome staining, and/or immunohistochemistry technique, at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

A time-dependent increase in the calcified tissue barrier was observed in the apex of the RAP-treated group compared to the CH-treated group. The newly formed dentin in this RAP group was mainly tubular dentin and was functionally attached to the bone by periodontal ligament, while the CH group showed dentin-associated mineralized tissue (DAMT) associated with the newly formed apical barrier.

Conclusions

Out results suggest that RAP can be used as novel apexification material, resulting in a thickening and strengthening of the canal walls, and achieving apical closure.

Dental visit patterns and periodontal treatment needs among Saudi students

The aim of this study was to report on dental visit patterns and their association with periodontal health among young Saudi Arabian students. A representative sample of 3090 students was randomly selected. The students' dental visit patterns were assessed with a questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out using the community periodontal index of treatment needs. Age, sex and education level were significantly associated with the periodontal health. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly lower among subjects who were taught the right way to brush their teeth by the dentist. The highest occurrence of healthy periodontium (23.9%) and the lowest need for complex treatment (0%) were found among students who had annual reminders for check-ups (only 2.8% of the students).

Oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour among Saudi school students in Jeddah city

OBJECTIVES

To assess the knowledge, attitude and behaviour in relation to periodontal health status among Saudi intermediate and high school students living in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A dental health questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of a total of 2586 Saudi students from intermediate and high school, aged 12-18 years residing in Jeddah.

RESULTS

While about 87.1% knew that tooth brush helps prevent periodontal disease, only 33.1% knew that using dental floss helps in preventing periodontal disease. Females used brushing and flossing more than males, while males used miswak more than females. Tooth brushing (P<0.001) and dental floss (P<0.015) were used more frequently among private subjects, while miswak was utilized more frequently among governmental school students (P<0.005). Dental pain was found to be the main reason for visiting the dentist among the target group.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that knowledge, attitude, and behaviour concerning periodontal health among young Saudi school students living in Jeddah city are in need of improvement.