Assessment of upper extremity neuropathy in dental hygienists

Students and practitioners of dental hygiene in Southeast Nebraska were solicited by mail and telephone to participate in a comprehensive study. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence rate of upper extremity neuropathies in dental hygienists, primarily through the use of nerve conduction testing.;Dental hygienists maintain stressful upper extremity postures for extended periods, while performing intricate, awkward, and repetitive motions. Existing theories link repetitive, sustained, or forceful motions of the upper extremities occurring over time to the inflammation of the tendons, potential subsequent compression of the peripheral nerves, and eventual development of neuropathies including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Previous research of the prevalence of upper extremity neuropathies in dental hygiene relied strictly upon often subjective questionnaire survey results. This study used nerve conduction testing (median nerve motor and sensory latencies) in accordance with the American Academy of Electrodiagnostic Medicine as the principal data source. Questionnaire reported data were obtained for comparison purposes.;The prevalence rate of reported altered sensation symptoms among practitioners of dental hygiene (69%) compared favorably with previous findings. However, the prevalence rate of upper extremity neuropathy (16%) in practicing dental hygienists and determined by nerve conduction testing was considerably higher than previously reported. The prevalence rate of diagnosed upper extremity neuropathy in students of dental hygiene was 2%. Symptomatic and diagnosed practitioners had significantly different mean median nerve latencies than their counterpart nonsymptomatic and nondiagnosed practitioners. Students had significantly lower mean median nerve latencies than practitioners. Finally, practitioners with fewer years in dental hygiene practice had significantly lower mean median nerve latencies than their counterparts with more seniority. The study demonstrates potential inaccuracies in the exclusive use of reported data as a means of assessing the prevalence rates of altered sensation symptoms and neuropathy in dental hygiene practice. Self-reported neuropathies data did not correlate with nerve conduction tests. Only 30% of the persons who reported having a neuropathy were confirmed by the nerve conduction test.