Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in primary care dentists

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dentistry is among the occupational categories that most inflicts its practitioners to a series of risk factors to develop musculoskeletal disorders, especially the maintenance of static postures, repetitive activities, long work days, poorly designed work environment, stress and handling of chemical and biological materials. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal pain in primary care dentists. METHODS: The sample consisted of 167 primary care dentists, who answered questionnaires relating to musculoskeletal pain, social-demographic data, lifestyle, occupational characteristics, fatigue and ability to work. RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was high for upper limbs (38.3%), lower limbs (34.7%) and on the back (27.5%). The was a statistical association in the three body segments, with family income, associated morbidities, daily and weekly working time, the perception of fatigue, and ability to work. CONCLUSION: The studied sample showed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, which serves as a warning flag to the adoption of public policies to improve the working conditions of the dentists surveyed.