[Musculoskeletal disorders among dentists and dental students in the Netherlands]

In this study, the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists and dental students in the Netherlands was inventoried by means of 2 corresponding web surveys. 196 (25% response) dentists and 359 (40% response) dental students participated. 80% of the dentists and 95% of the dental students reported to have suffered from pain in muscles and joints in the last 12 months. In particular, they mentioned complaints of the neck, the shoulders and the lower back. Dental students also frequently reported complaints of the upper back. Many physical complaints were more common among females than male students. In contrast, no gender difference was observed for dentists, but regarding this group stress proved to be an important risk factor for developing musculoskeletal complaints. Given the negative impact on the profession, further research into the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is urgently needed, in particular about the efficiency of (postgraduate) education and occupational briefing in that domain.