Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals: An evidence-based update

Background: Numerous studies have reported prevalence rates for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) among dental professionals (DP). Objective: The objective of this paper is to update the dental professionals, physical therapists, occupational therapists, epidemiologists and ergonomics specialists with the growing evidence on WRMSD in DP through a systematic literature search. Materials and methods: Systematic review of studies in MEDLINE from 1972-2010 was conducted using search terms dental OR dentist AND work-related OR musculoskeletal IN title OR abstract for English articles. Consensus was obtained after independent blinded search and overall findings were summarized. Main findings: Thirty-four included articles were heterogenous and studied all categories of DP which found one-year prevalence for MSK pain was from 24-100%. Neck and shoulder pain were the greatest prevalent MSK symptom. Most of the reported symptoms were chronic and recurrent. Conclusion: There was an overall very high prevalence of MSK pain among DP. Among DP, dental hygienists and dental students were more affected with MSK symptoms. The risk factors highly predictive of developing MSK pain were biopsychosocial and further research on prevalence in Indian dental population is warranted before implementation of preventive educational programmes among dentists.