Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/807061

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Title
A systematic review of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals
Author/Creator
Hayes, M. J.;  Cockrell, D.;  Smith, D. R.
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Health, School of Health Sciences
Description
Musculoskeletal problems have become a significant issue for the profession of dentistry and dental hygiene. This review provides a detailed examination and discussion regarding the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in dental personnel and possible causative factors. All research studies or literature reviews, which have reported on the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and/or potential risk factors for this problem in dentists, dental hygienists and dental students, were selected for inclusion. Our literature suggests that the prevalence of general musculoskeletal pain ranges between 64% and 93%. The most prevalent regions for pain in dentists have been shown to be the back (36.3–60.1%) and neck (19.8–85%), while the hand and wrist regions were the most prevalent regions for dental hygienists (60–69.5%). Interestingly, we found that studies on MSDs among dental and dental hygiene students are quite limited. Many risk factors have been identified, including static and awkward posture and work practices. Overall, the review suggests that musculoskeletal problems represent a significant burden for the dental profession. More research in the form of larger studies is urgently required, to help more clearly elucidate the development of this important issue for dental hygienists and dental hygiene students.
Relation
International Journal of Dental Hygiene Vol. 7, Issue 3, p. 159-165
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1601-5037.2009.00395.x
Date
2009
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Munksgaard
Keyword(s)
dental hygienists;  dental students;  musculoskeletal disorders;  dentists;  occupational health
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/807061
Identifier
ISSN:1601-5037
Reviewed
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Subject
"International Journal of Dental Hygiene"
 
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