Abstract

Dentistry is a profession that generally produces muscular pain and soreness, they are usually harmless and slow to appear; consequently, the symptoms are usually ignored until they become chronic and permanent lesions are present. When practicing, dentists sometimes are forced to adopt unhealthy postures which depend mainly on factors related to the working conditions. Also, they are exposed to biomechanical risk factors, which indicates that work forced postures, would imply more risk of soreness and presence of skeletal-muscle lesions. These problems could begin to appear at the beginning of the students learning period, by acquiring inadequate postures and working habits that will accompany them for the rest of their professional life, acquiring an unhealthy lifestyle in their work environment. This can ultimately lead to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). To protect their own health, dentists should seek out and receive education about musculoskeletal health, and injury prevention during work, by relaxation techniques, breathing and stretching exercises, etc. Very little attention is given on impact of dental work on the development of nerve and muscle pathologies. Therefore, the aim of this review was to critically analyze the literature on the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and possible aetiology of this problem in dental professionals, and the various postural strategies and stretching and strengthening techniques during breaks to ensure long term comfort, efficiency and ease in dental practice.

Key words: Dentistry, musculoskeletal disorders, posture, stress management, breathing exercise, meditation.