Ergonomics and musculo-skeletal disorders in dentistry

In spite of recent advances in technologies, occupational health related problems are more prevalent in modern day dentistry. Musculo-skeletal disorders are one among them that frequently haunt and disable many of the contemporary dentists. The proportion of reporting of musculo-skeletal pain and seeking of medical intervention for the same are on an increase among the dentists and the dental staffs. Dental procedures, sometimes, might be laborious needing constant focus of work in areas of difficult, minimal or restrained access in oral cavity. Dental procedures involve use of potentially dangerous instruments and materials that require proper handling and disposal as well as a good assistance from patient and the supporting dental staffs apart from the dentists. Dentists have to adopt necessary safety measures as these risks cannot be engineered out of dental office always. While abstaining from such risks, dentists also face stiff challenge of maintaining proper working posture to avoid any strained muscles. Musculo-skeletal disorders potentially handicap the dentists' health and inadvertently affect the quality of the dental practice. Proper use of the dental resources is an absolute necessity for the dentists to keep such disorders at bay and avoid incurring considerable impact on economics and good will of dental practices. It is of paramount importance for dentists to be updated with information regarding tackling of these health problems and wise use of necessary innovations. By learning the art of coping strategies for prevention of musculo-skeletal disorders, dentists can tread a fine line between maintaining health, income, technical and professional standards.