Musculoskeletal disorders among dentists-A review Yaduka Pallavi1,*, Dinesh S P Saravana2, Viswanath Aarthy3 1Student, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, 162, Poonamallee high road, Chennai 2Senior Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, 162, Poonamallee high road, Chennai 3Senior Lecturer, Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, 162, Poonamallee high road, Chennai *Corresponding author: Pallavi Yaduka, Student Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals 162, Poonamallee high road, Chennai-600077 Email: pallavi.yaduka@gmail.com
Online published on 18 April, 2014. Abstract Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the major problems affecting health care professionals and IT professionals. 20–30% of the world population is affected by work related musculoskeletal disorder at any given time. This review gives a detailed discussion regarding musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare professionals especially dentists. Research studies and literature reviews that report musculoskeletal disorders in dental professionals have been reviewed. Most developed countries report a prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders of more than 50% which is still lesser compared to that in developing countries probably due to better ergonomic factor and less number of working hours in developed countries. Dentists usually report with neck, shoulder, back pain. Endodontists and Orthodontists are most commonly affected whereas Oral pathologists and Oral medicine specialists are least commonly affected. Musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by adopting preventive measures and by knowing the ill effects of incorrect positioning and ergonomics. At present scenario, there is a need for more research work and awareness among dentists regarding musculoskeletal disorders and better ergonomics. Emphasis must be given on its prevention rather than its cure. Top Keywords Musculoskeletal Disorders, Dentists, Ergonomics and Specialist Dentists. Top |