Improved design of dentist’s ergonomic chair using finite element simulation to prevent musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a significant health risk to dentists, primarily due to the long periods of static sitting and improper postures required by their profession. To address this issue, our research aimed to design an ergonomic dental chair tailored to mitigate such risks, mainly focusing on preventing back pain. Through a mixedmethods approach, we collected data via questionnaires distributed to dental professionals and students, both in person and online. These questionnaires sought detailed information on the sitting duration, the discomfort experienced, and the specific ergonomic needs and preferences related to the chair design. This data collection aimed to encapsulate the realworld ergonomic challenges faced by dental practitioners. Among the participant dentists, 29.6% reported using chairs for over 8 hours each day, and an equal percentage worked more than 5 days a week. A significant majority, 96.3%, experienced MSDs during their work. Given that the sample chairs lacked armrests, 63% of the participants recommended incorporating armrests into future chair designs. This study proposed an improved chair design using engineering techniques and computer simulations based on the collected feedback. This process led to developing a chair that supports optimal posture to reduce the incidence of MSDs among dentists. This concise research offers an innovative solution to a pervasive issue and lays the groundwork for future exploration into ergonomic improvements within dental practices.