Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentists and orthodontists: A review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's) are on the rise worldwide. These disorders have numerous repercussions, from serious ill-health effects at the individual level to decreased workplace efficiency and productivity affecting not only quality of life but the economy. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide an overview of WMSD's in the dental profession, more specifically, among general dental practitioners and specialist orthodontists. METHODS: Literature was hand searched from Pubmed with greater emphasis on contemporary literature as the professionals demands have evolved over the years. RESULTS: While there have been numerous papers published relating to the prevalence of ergonomic problems among general dentists, orthodontists have received little investigation. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for research into the risk factors of WMSD's in the dental profession (both general dentistry and orthodontics), as this would provide a more direct approach for prevention which is essential as professionals work for longer years in practice.