The Impact of Prolonged Dental Chair Utilization on Cervical Spine Mobility and Pain among Dental Internship Students: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study from the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND

Dentistry is considered a high-risk profession for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly in the cervical region, due to prolonged static postures, repetitive movements, and sustained neck flexion during clinical procedures. Limited evidence exists regarding the early short-term effects of prolonged dental chair utilization on cervical spine mobility among dental interns.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and neck pain associated with prolonged dental chair utilization among dental internship students .

METHODS

A prospective short-term observational repeated-measures study was conducted among 40 dental internship students at Thumbay Dental Hospital, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Cervical ROM was assessed using a validated digital inclinometer for flexion, extension, bilateral lateral flexion, and bilateral rotation. Neck pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Assessments were performed at baseline and repeated after one month of routine clinical exposure involving prolonged dental chair utilization. Paired-sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase in neck pain intensity was observed following one month of clinical exposure (p < 0.05). Cervical ROM measures demonstrated no significant differences in flexion, extension, left rotation, or bilateral lateral flexion between baseline and follow-up assessments. However, right cervical rotation showed a statistically significant increase at follow-up. These findings suggest that short-term occupational exposure primarily affects pain perception before substantial mobility impairment develops.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged dental chair utilization during internship training significantly increased cervical pain among dental interns, while cervical mobility remained largely preserved over the short term. Early ergonomic interventions, posture education, and preventive physiotherapy strategies should be incorporated into dental curricula to reduce occupational musculoskeletal risks. Trial Registration Status: Not Applicable.