Mohd Amir, Nur Aisyah and Norazam, Nurun Nadihah and Ahmad, Norfaezah and Ahmad, Norhidayah (2025) A systematic review on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental practitioners. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21 (6). pp. 1-10. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346
|
PDF (Full Text)
- Published Version
Download (571kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational health concerns world-wide. Numerous studies have reported a higher prevalence of MSDs affecting the upper and lower extremities among dental practitioners. These are frequently attributed to poor ergonomic postures, prolonged static position, gender predilection and increased working hours and workload. Materials and methods: This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis 2020 (PRISMA) guidelines. The articles were retrieved from four search engines: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Results: 19 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included. A high prevalence of MSDs (55%-96%) was found among dental practitioners worldwide. The most common affected body parts included the neck (26%-96%), shoulder (20%-90%), upper back (21%-82%) and lower back (21%-80%). Risk factors associated with MSDs included awkward working posture, younger age with less experience, female predilection, increased working hours and high workload. Conclusion: Overall, this review highlights the significant burden that MSDs impose on dental practitioners. However, larger studies with higher response rates are warranted to generate more accurate and conclusive results. More importantly, dental education should emphasize the knowledge and application of ergonomics among dental students to promote the necessary awareness and practice in reducing the prevalence of MSDs.
| Item Type: | Article (Review) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Musculoskeletal disorders, Occupational hazards, Prevalence, Dental practitioners, Dentists |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QM Human anatomy R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011) Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Prosthodontics Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Nursing |
| Depositing User: | Dr Norhidayah Ahmad |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Dec 2025 12:27 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Dec 2025 12:27 |
| Queue Number: | 2025-12-Q1111 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126126 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
Download Statistics
Download Statistics