Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in dentistry due to the prolonged static work involved during patient care, making dental health care personnel vulnerable to musculoskeletal complaints. We aimed to pool the prevalence estimates of MSD among various dental healthcare providers, including dentists, dental students, dental hygienists, and auxiliaries. Methods: A systematic search of five databases was performed (Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source). The studies that reported the prevalence of MSD among dental healthcare workers and those written in English were selected. Screening and data extraction were performed by two review authors independently. Discrepencies were resolved by another review author. Risk of bias assessment was done using a nine-item questionnaire developed by Hoy et al. Pooled estimates were calculated using meta-analysis of proportions (random effects model). Results: Among the 3090 publications screened, 234 publications were included for full-text screening. Meta-analysis was performed for 89 estimates from 88 publications. Females showed significantly higher prevalence [OR = 1.42 (95% CI = 1.09–1.84); I2 = 66.02; N = 32]. The analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 78.4% (95% CI = 74.8–82). The meta-regression showed similar prevalence over the years (Coefficient: 0.001; P-value: 0.762). Conclusions: A high prevalence of MSD was noted among dental healthcare providers, with about seven out of ten having experienced MSD in the past. This emphasizes the need for awareness and adoption of appropriate ergonomic postures by dental healthcare providers from early in their careers to minimize work-related MSD.

Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among dentists: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…As per the location of the disorders, the most affected sites were the neck, the back, the lower back, the shoulder, the upper back and the wrist with a prevalence of 51%, 50%, 46%, 41%, 35% and 31%, respectively. 7 This is the first attempt to calculate the prevalence of CTS among dentists, through a systematic review. We do not have previously published data to compare our pooled estimate with.…”

Assessment of dental ergonomics among dental students: A retrospective study

“…The total score of neck, trunk, and leg analysis ranged from 3 to 14, with higher values identifying riskier lower limb posture. Finally, a final score [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] was calculated and classified as follows:…”

“…1 They constitute one of the most significant occupational health issues for dental professionals. 1 A recent systematic review and metaanalysis revealed that prevalence rates of MSK disorders range from 11% to 98% among dental providers, with the neck being the most affected area (58.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 46.0-71.0), followed by the lower back (56.4%, 95% CI 46.1-66.8) and shoulders (43.1%, 95% CI 30.7-55. 5).…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7] Other signs and symptoms correlated to MSK disorders are increased psychological distress, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and bodily pain, thus profoundly impacting the individual and the community. 1,8 For these reasons, early identification and modification of risk factors is extremely important. 9 Potential occupational risk factors for the field of dentistry include a sedentary occupation, 10 performance of repetitive motions and specific dental tasks (odds ratio [OR] 4.22, CI 1.26-14.09), use of vibrating instruments, high loads of scheduled work with no break between the interventions (OR 6.51, CI 2.58-16.41), and poor posture and ergonomics (OR 10.82, CI 5.38, 21.78).…”

“…Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders encompass all those conditions that affect the MSK system and connective tissue and manifest in limitation, discomfort, or pain in range of motion of head, upper and lower limbs, arms, wrists, and fingers, among others 1 . They constitute one of the most significant occupational health issues for dental professionals 1 .…”