Comparison of Musculoskeletal Disorders between Pediatric Dentists and General Dentists

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics related to the musculoskeletal disorders in pediatric dentists and general dentists. This study was conducted based on the survey results of a total of 109 dentists who have been working for the last year. Forty - three pediatric dentists and 66 general dentists were surveyed through online survey tool. Both pediatric dentists and general dentists mainly complained of musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, wrists, and back. Most pediatric dentists usually suffered from back pain due to their unbalanced posture while giving dental treatments. Pediatric dentists in sedative treatment felt more pain in particular part of their body, such as neck and shoulder. Regular exercise and stretching for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorder have been shown to mainly relieve pain in the back but no other parts in their body.