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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Risk Factors for the Development of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Work

Cristina Dupim Presoto, Patrícia Petromilli Nordi Sasso Garcia

Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science · pp. 1–6 · Published 22 Apr 2016

10.9734/BJESBS/2016/25838

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals is high and may interfere with individuals' functional capacity of both from a physical and emotional standpoint. Aim: To review the literature regarding the work-related risk factors that may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in dental professionals. Methods: The literature review was carried out in Science Direct, SCIELO, Pub Med, LILACS and MEDLINE databases from 2002 to 2015. The research was on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry, specifically risk factors. The main keywords used were "work-related musculoskeletal symptoms in Dentistry", "Ergonomics in Dentistry", "risk factors," "musculoskeletal symptoms" and "Dentistry". Results: Fifty three manuscripts were collected and were included only articles available in its entirety, in English, focused on students and dental professionals (n=26). The most frequently reported factors were static posture, repetitive movements, inclination and rotation of the head, neck and trunk, presence of psychological factors, use of muscle strength, pinch-grip force, excessive force to arrest, long time in a seated position, without breaks and incorrect positioning of the patient in dental chair. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the development of musculoskeletal disorders in Dentistry has multifactorial cause and the main risk sources are related to biomechanical, environmental/external and organizational factors.

Musculoskeletal diseases risk factors dentists students.

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