BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's) are on the rise worldwide. These disorders have numerous repercussions, from serious ill-health effects at the individual level to decreased workplace efficiency and productivity affecting not only quality of life but the economy. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to provide an overview of WMSD's in the dental profession, more specifically, among general dental practitioners and specialist orthodontists. METHODS: Literature was hand searched from Pubmed with greater emphasis on contemporary literature as the professionals demands have evolved over the years. RESULTS: While there have been numerous papers published relating to the prevalence of ergonomic problems among general dentists, orthodontists have received little investigation. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for research into the risk factors of WMSD's in the dental profession (both general dentistry and orthodontics), as this would provide a more direct approach for prevention which is essential as professionals work for longer years in practice.

Dentists and orthodontists experienced a high rate of musculoskeletal problems which were associated with increased levels of stress at work. Further research should be directed toward interventions aimed at reducing stress in the work environment as well as improving work posture.

It seems apparent that e-learning is most effective in a blended learning environment, supplemented with the traditional classroom approach, rather than as a sole mechanism for postgraduate training.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between alveolar bone cortical thickness (ABCT) and age in the maxillae and mandible in humans. This information could then be translated into clinical application with temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in orthdontics. Methods: Samples comprised 82 post-mortem CT datasets (41 males and 41 females) aged between 11 to 50 years, and were divided into five different age groups and gender. Alveolar ABCT was measured in the labial/buccal and palatal/lingual sides of the incisor, canine, premolar, molar and tuberosity/retromolar regions of the maxillae and mandible. Correlations between ABCT and age and gender were analysed with linear regression analysis. Results: Strong correlation between ABCT and age was found for the maxilla on the labial side of the maxillary incisor region (p < 0.001). On the palatal aspect, significant correlations between ABCT and age were found in the maxillary incisor and maxillary premolar regions (p = 0.01 and p = 0.047 respectively). Significant correlation between ABCT and gender was found only at the buccal aspect of the maxillary molar region (p = 0.022). In the mandible, a statistically significant correlation between ABCT and age was found in the cortical bone of the labial side of the mandibular incisor region (p = 0.017). However, statistically significant negative correlation between ABCT and age was found in the mandibular canine region (p = 0.033). The only site to demonstrate a significant difference in change in ABCT with age between males and females was the lingual side of the retromolar region, in which female ABCT increased more than in males (slope = 0.015). Conclusions: There is minimal clinically significant correlation between ABCT and age at the alveolar bone level. Although investigations show statistically significant correlations, these may not be clinically significant as those regions are not ideal for anchorage reinforcement with TADs in orthodontic practice.Keywords: Alveolar bone, cortical thickness, age related, temporary anchorage devices, clinical applications.Abbreviations and acronyms: ABCT = alveolar bone cortical thickness; CT = computed tomography; TAD = temporary anchorage device; VIFM = Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine.

This preliminary investigation suggests that useful clinical information for treatment planning and follow-up can be gathered without repeated exposure to ionizing radiation. For more robust predictive equations, a larger sample would be required to validate such a model.