A total ergonomics approach improves the physiological response of dentists in a community health center in denpasar city

Background: Dental filling service procedures in the dental clinic of the health center with the application of the total ergonomics approach no longer seem appropriate. Unergonomic work attitudes, long working hours and repetitive movements in awkward positions are the causes of increased musculoskeletal complaints so it is deemed necessary to overcome with a total ergonomic approach. Objective: This study aimed to improve physiological responses in the form of decreased musculoskeletal complaints, workload and fatigue in dentists through the application of actions with a total ergonomics approach. Materials and Methods: This research was a true experiment with a same-subject design. There were 18 research subjects actively involved in this study who were taken by simple randomization. This study was conducted on dentists who performed dental filling services in the dental clinic of the Denpasar city health center from October 2022 to December 2022. Data collection on physiological responses in the form of musculoskeletal complaints, workload and fatigue was carried out for four consecutive days while working in Period 1 and while working in Period 2. Period 1 was an activity carried out by dentists conventionally without intervention, while in period 2 dentists worked using a total ergonomic approach. The data obtained were then statistically analyzed with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The results of the analysis showed that the average of musculoskeletal complaints decreased significantly by 7.28% (p<0.05); workload decreased significantly by 4.46% (p<0.05); and the level of fatigue decreased significantly by 8.23% (p<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the total ergonomics approach can reduce musculoskeletal complaints, workload and fatigue in dentists working on dental filling services in the dental clinic of the Denpasar City health center. The results of this study can be used as a clinical reference in implementing interventions to improve physiological responses in the form of a decrease in musculoskeletal complaints, workload and fatigue of dentists while doing their work.