Musculoskeletal Pain – The Neglected Aspect Of Dentistry

Abstract

Dentists are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work. The key to preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders is dental ergonomics — the science of fitting the work environment to the dentist. Musculoskeletal disorders involve numerous risk factors including prolonged static posture, repetitive movements, suboptimal lighting, poor positioning, genetic predisposition, mental stress, physical conditioning, and age. The key to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is application of ergonomic principles, training and education, early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes. Key Words: Musculoskeletal disorders, Ergonomics, Dentists, Pain