Study of musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine and upper extremity in Dentists: A review article

Due to their occupational nature, dentists may be prone to musculoskeletal disorders in the upper body. The aim of the present study was to study of musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical spine and upper extremity in dentists with a review approach.

In this review article, an attempt was made to collect studies conducted on the subject of research from 2000 to June 2021. The websites Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, SID, ISC and Magiran were used and keywords related to the topic were used to search for articles. 

According to the search method, 140 articles were found, which were finalized, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria abstract of 45 articles. Finally, 29 articles were reported based on the full text and compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria in the present study. Most studies have reported the cervical spine as the most common area. Other results were included more than half of Dentists experience musculoskeletal disorders, more among women than men, at least one disorder in the last 12 months, as well as temporary disability and lack of daily activities due to pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

In general, the knowledge of specialist dentists about the use of protective glasses and their performance is better than general dentists and there is a need for further education in the field of eye injuries and the use of protective glasses.