The Importance Of Dentistry

Dentistry poses high physical demands for those working in the profession, leading to a greater likelihood for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)1. In a review written by Sarkar et al., it was noted that as many as 87.2% of dentists experience some sort of MSD in their lifetime, which can affect the ability to work, leading to absentees and possible early retirement. An integral part of a successful dental practice, among many other components, is a dentist in good health2. Thus, it is necessary to practice proper ergonomics by making sure that the occupational environment is tailored to success of the dentist rather than forcing the dentist to make accommodations to his or her surroundings1. Ergonomics is an important concept

By repeatedly engaging in this behavior, along with having to reach for dental instruments and attempting to keep the patient in a comfortable position, dentists are at a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain or injury1. As a result of experiencing musculoskeletal pain, some outcomes might include an increase in fatigue and discomfort and/or a decrease in fine motor skills thus, limiting the number of patients that can be seen by the dentist1. According to a review by Banerjee et al., researchers found through a survey directed at dental practitioners, that discomfort in those surveyed occurred at a rate of 69.5% in the wrist or hands, 68.5% in the neck, 67.4% in the upper back, 56.8% in the lower back, and 60% in the

In a study of 220 dentists, the participants either participated in yoga, other physical activity or no physical activity. After analyzing the results of a self-reporting work-related questionnaire asking about the musculoskeletal pain experienced in the past 12 months, researchers found that musculoskeletal pain was noted in 34.5% of the 220 dentists. The prevalence of pain of those who practiced yoga was 10.5%. Those who engaged in other exercise or no exercise had a prevalence of pain of 21.7% and 45.6%, respectively. Thus, there was a statistical significance in pain prevalence between those who practiced yoga and those who did nothing3. Nonetheless, any exercise opposed to no exercise is better for the health of a dental practitioner1,