Musculoskeletal disorders and emergent themes of psychosocial factors and their impact on health in dentistry

BACKGROUND: Dentistry is a profession where musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent. Physical demands and static awkward postures increase the risks of dentists developing musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, researchers have identified psychosocial factors that can influence the health of workers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to present self-reported pain regions and to assess psychosocial work factors as they relate to dentistry. METHOD: Fourteen dentists participated in the study. Data was collected via a questionnaire administered prior to the start of and during the study. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: All dentists self-reported to be in good to excellent health and only 50% sought medical treatment for work-related discomfort and pain. Thirteen of 14 reported being at least occasionally mentally and physically exhausted after work. A musculoskeletal disorder-work hour relationship model was created. Feedback given was linked to four psychosocial factors - job demand, job control, social interactions, and job future and career issues. CONCLUSIONS: The dental profession is considered a highly cognitive profession where much attention has been placed on the physical demands due to awkward postures. While physical demands are validated, additional research will further validate the link between psychosocial and mental and physical demands.