The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in dentists is high and the past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of various disorders. The prevalence of general musculoskeletal pain ranges between 64% and 93%. The most effected regions for pain in dentists have been shown to be the back and neck, while the hand and wrist regions were the most common regions for dental hygienists. Prevention of these disorders is becoming crucial and requires the identification and modification of risk factors such as stature, physical condition, strength,work organization, ergonomic hazards, awkward postures, prolonged repetitive movements, intense work schedules or fast work pace, factors connected with professional equipment (such as vibrations, or sharp and hard surfaces causing pressure points) may also contribute.
The frequency of these disorders is also gender related and research supports the higher incidence among female dentists which is nearly double than that of males. Women showed a higher frequency of intense pain involving the cervical, lumbar, dorsal, and wrist areas. A higher incidence of wrist pain was recorded in professionals exclusively dedicated to oral surgery. The musculoskeletal disorders between left- and right-handed dentists also vary with the position adopted by the dentist and was significantly related to the intensity of pain. Research shows that left-handed dentists especially suffered from neck and shoulder pain when compared with right-handed dentists.The modification of work practices appears to be effective in decreasing the prevalence of symptoms.
The various factors are responsible for the stress at work and the most important contributing factor being patient demands (75%). Dentist are among the increasingly group been referred for physical therapy and seeking ergonomic advice in the recent past. There is a scope for further decreasing the prevalence and severity of these disorders by performing regular specific exercises. In most of the studies the dentists are reported to be relatively inactive and very few took some form of physical exercise and acknowledge the benefits of the same.Musculoskeletal complaints had a significant negative impact on dentists’ self-reported general health. The best ergonomic working principles should be taught to the students, dental schools should provide a comfortable working environment, those practicing general dentistry.
The work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists not only decrease their efficiency but are also a major reason for ill health retirement. The most common cause of ill health retirement was musculoskeletal disorders (55%), followed by mental and behavioral disorders (28%). A majority of respondents (90%) considered that their ill health was work related. It is therefore important to increase health knowledge on occupational hazards and also to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for these disorders. Self-awareness and benefits of regular exercise are the needs of the hour. Various studies have been done to record stress levels and self-perceived health and health-related behaviors of dentists in other countries but limited data is available among the Indian dentists indicating the need to evaluate the same.
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