The interplay of stress and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dental practitioners.

Objectives: Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among general dental practitioners and orthodontists is approximated to range between 64% and 93%. Etiology of WRMSDs in the mentally and physically demanding occupation remains unclear, for which reason the aim of the study was to clarify the interplay of physical, psychological, and mental factors on WRMSDs.

Method and materials: Of 94 orthodontists and 187 general dental practitioners (mean age = 35 years) questioned using an online survey, 84% reported persisting tension or pain in the back, neck, or shoulders. While 71% of females were employed (29% self-employed), only 39% of male participants were employed. Cluster analysis was used to characterize dental practitioners according to their movement profile and the moderating effect of stress on certain WRMSDs.

Results: Three movement profiles of general dental practitioners and orthodontists were significantly predictive of WRMSD. The minority could be characterized as healthy (n = 45), whereas twice as many reported nearly twice as much pain (n = 90). Stress proved to be a strong, significant moderator of WRMSDs in relation to sex, employment status, and body mass index.

Conclusion: The prevalence of WRMSDs found was alarming. Given the feminization of dentistry, and that being female, stressed, and an employee (rather than self-employed) is a significant predictor of WRMSDs, this represents a danger to the German health system.