Evaluation of upper extremity-related musculoskeletal disorder of dental students using hand scalers of three different dimensions: A clinical study

Abstract: Introduction: Dentists are more prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) owing to stringent biomechanical and ergonomic demands. Aim: This study aims to evaluate MSDs related to work in dental students before and after hand scaling, using hand scalers of three different dimensions. Materials and Methods: In this study, 72 dental students were involved. Hand scaling was performed on sextant 5. Thirty-six students performed scaling with three sets of hand scalers of varying weight and dimension. The study was progressed after obtaining the results. Group A ( n = 36) did not receive hand exercise training and Group B ( n = 36) received exercise training. Pinch force was measured using a pinch gauge before and after performing hand scaling, and the values were recorded. Results: There was a significant difference before and after scaling in the second set of instruments. More significant difference was seen before and after scaling among students who received hand exercise training and males exerted higher pinch force in all types of grips compared to females.