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Female dentists face unique musculoskeletal demands and inherent gender differences that may place them at higher risk for occupational pain and injury than their male counterparts. By familiarizing themselves with unique muscle imbalances, specific pain syndromes, and positioning challenges to which they are predisposed, female dentists may take pre-emptive action and initiate ergonomic intervention in the operatory and specific exercise at home to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Background: The authors reviewed studies to identify methods for dental operators to use to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs., Types of Studies Reviewed: The authors reviewed studies that related to the prevention of MSDs among dental operators. Some studies investigated the relationship between the biomechanics of seated working postures and physiological damage or pain. Other studies suggested that repeated unidirectional twisting of the trunk can lead to low back pain, while yet other studies examined the detrimental effects of working in one position for prolonged periods. Additional studies confirmed the roles that operators' flexibility and core strength can play in balanced musculoskeletal health and the need for operators to know how to properly adjust ergonomic equipment., Results: This review indicates that strategies to prevent the multifactorial problem of dental operators' developing MSDs exist. These strategies address deficiencies in operator position, posture, flexibility, strength and ergonomics. Education and additional research are needed to promote an understanding of the complexity of the problem and to address the problem's multifactorial nature., Clinical Implications: A comprehensive approach to address the problem of MSDs in dentistry represents a paradigm shift in how operators work. New educational models that incorporate a multifactorial approach can be developed to help dental operators manage and prevent MSDs effectively.

Background: The authors reviewed the implications of prolonged, seated working postures on dental operator health and the potential development of musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs., Types of Studies Reviewed: The authors reviewed studies to assess the mechanisms associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain and MSDs among dental operators. Some studies investigated work duration, operator positioning and the physiological effects of various static sitting postures. Others explored the relationships between prolonged muscle contraction and muscle imbalances, as related to the development of pain and MSDs., Results: This review advances the idea that the causes of musculoskeletal pain and disorders common to dental operators are multifactorial. Physiological changes that accompany these disorders can be related to practices used by today's operators-primarily being seated for prolonged periods. Studies associated such postures with increased disk pressures and spinal hypomobility, which are factors that may lead to degenerative changes within the lumbar spine and low back pain or injury. There is a relationship shown between prolonged, static (motionless) muscle contractions and muscle ischemia or necrosis. Weak postural muscles of the trunk and shoulder may lead to poor operator posture. As muscles adapt by lengthening or shortening to accommodate these postures, a muscle imbalance may result, leading to structural damage and pain., Clinical Implications: A significant number of today's dental operators experience musculoskeletal pain and are at risk of developing serious MSDs. A thorough understanding of the underlying physiological mechanisms leading to these problems is necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive approach to minimize the risks of a work-related injury.