Musculoskeletal Discomforts in Dentists: Scoping Review

Authors

  • Dafna Benadof Fuentes Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Alejandra Rojas Olivares Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Juan José Blasco Rosales Universidad Andres Bello, Chile
  • Stephanie Menanteau Encina Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.01.618.922

Keywords:

Ergonomics, muscle pain, dental profession, musculoskeletal disorder, dentistry

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis and synthesis of the available literature to better understand the relationship between dental practice and musculoskeletal diseases. 

Methodology: A review was carried out following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology of the last 10 years on musculoskeletal diseases in dentists. PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciELO platforms were used. In PubMed and SciELO, the terms ("Ergonomics"[Mesh]) OR "Myalgia" [Mesh]) OR "Musculoskeletal Diseases" [Mesh]) AND "Dentists" [Mesh]) AND "Dental" were used to carry out the systematic search. "Offices" [Mesh]) OR "Dental Clinics" [Mesh]). The terms “Musculoskeletal Diseases AND Ergonomics AND Dentist” were used in the manual PubMed search. In Google Scholar, the terms “alltittle: dentists, musculoskeletal pain” and “alltittle: dentists, ergonomics” were used. 

Results: Of a total of 624 articles initially identified, 32 were selected given their relevance. The full texts were subsequently reviewed and after a more detailed analysis, only 11 were included. These articles provide significant information on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in various parts of the dentist's body, such as shoulders, neck, lower back, knees, and wrists. In addition, they highlight the importance of physical activity, proper ergonomics, and available treatments. 

Conclusions: The findings suggest a lack of information about the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders in dental practice. The need to increase awareness of this issue and develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these disorders in the dental community, as well as improve practices with better ergonomics, is highlighted. 

Author Biographies

Dafna Benadof Fuentes, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Profesor, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Andres Bello. dafna.benadof@unab.cl. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0788-2678

Alejandra Rojas Olivares, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Profesora, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Andrés Bello. alerojasolivares@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8774-3092 

Juan José Blasco Rosales, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Cirujano-dentista, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Andres Bello. juanjoblascor@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1836-6998

Stephanie Menanteau Encina, Universidad Andres Bello, Chile

Cirujano-dentista, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Andres Bello. sheysmenanteau@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3730-3351

Published

2025-04-01

How to Cite

Benadof Fuentes, D. ., Rojas Olivares, A. ., Blasco Rosales, J. J. ., & Menanteau Encina, S. . (2025). Musculoskeletal Discomforts in Dentists: Scoping Review . SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 41(1), 290–307. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.41.01.618.922

Issue

Section

SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (WITHOUT META-ANALYSIS)