Occupational ergonomics and related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists: A systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing concern about musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), resulting from occupational health hazards among dentists. Dentists who are susceptible to occupational health hazards could develop cumulative trauma disorders, lead to absenteeism from work, loss of productivity and performance or even long-term disability. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists, explore the risk factors and identify the ergonomics preventive measures for dental professionals. METHODS: Articles published between 2008–2020 were searched in scientific databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Systematic Review checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were found to be suitable in the final review. Relevant data was extracted and summarized from the included studies. The annual prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in any body site ranged between 68% and 100% . The most predominant regions for musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals were identified to be the lower back (29% to 94.6% ), shoulder (25% to 92.7% ), and neck (26% to 92% ). The most frequently reported risk factors of MSDs were the individual characteristic female gender (57.1% ), followed by awkward working postures (50% ), long working experience (50% ) and being dental specialists (42.9% ). Several preventive measures were identified as the most effective ways in preventing MSDs, the use of magnification (40% ) and regular physical activity (40% ). CONCLUSIONS: This review reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among dentists. It critically updates and adds the latest evidence on occupational ergonomics among dentists.

Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study

“…A study on neck disorders among dentists indicated that awkward postures and repeated movements, such as bending and twisting of the cervical spine, were related to neck disorders. 32 33 In a study on the occurrence of surgically treated cervical spondylosis in construction workers, occupational exposure to non-neutral neck postures, working with hands above shoulders, and carrying heavy loads emerged as risk factors. 6 A study carried out to compare neck disorders among grape growers and eggplant growers suggested that neck extension movement was a risk factor.…”

Assessment of dental ergonomics among dental students: A retrospective study

“…8,37 This finding should be a high priority among predoctoral dental curricula, 22,39,40 as it has been repeatedly confirmed that poor ergonomics is a significant risk factor for development of MSK pain among dental providers, with negative economic, psychosocial, and health impacts. 15,16,41 For this assessment, we selected second-year students, as they had already received theoretical lectures and a live demonstration on ergonomics by the OT. The assessment was performed during their summer or winter quarter (i.e., at the middle of their second year) because at this time, they were considered to have achieved sufficient familiarity with the dental procedures while still working on manikins.…”

“…Conversely, studies have suggested that the earlier postural habits were established, the harder they were to modify or eliminate 8,37 . This finding should be a high priority among predoctoral dental curricula, 22,39,40 as it has been repeatedly confirmed that poor ergonomics is a significant risk factor for development of MSK pain among dental providers, with negative economic, psychosocial, and health impacts 15,16,41 …”

“…Last, the assessment of the current study reflected the position that each student had during that specific observation period, which does not necessarily capture the actual posture adopted in other moments. As we know from the literature that ergonomics is reported to vary depending on dental procedure, 22,39,41,57 tooth position, 18 and direct versus indirect vision, 18 all the students in our study were challenging the same procedure to minimize external variability and confounding factors.…”

Unveiling the Key Elements of Effective Preventive Strategies: Insights Into Addressing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Physiotherapists

“…These were associated with repetitive manual handling techniques and delayed in treating the pain or injury (Yasobant & Rajkumar, 2014. Repetitive movement causing WMSDs is also common and reported in many other occupations as well (Abas et al, 2018;Ahmad et al, 2020;Soo et al, 2023). Although, WMSD is a well-known area and much research is done to curb the issue, yet the risk is still high among physiotherapists.…”