Prevalence of Self-Reported Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists-A Cross-Sectional Study in Portugal and Italy

Objectives: A dentist may assume incorrect working positions throughout their professional career, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of self-reported MSDs in dentists and the body region most affected, as well as to evaluate the most frequent working position, the area of work and the age group most frequently associated with MSDs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study adhering to the STROBE and CHERRIES guidelines, approved by the local Ethics Committee. An online questionnaire (including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire) was applied to a convenience sample of Portuguese and Italian dentists. Data analysis was conducted with non-parametric comparisons (IBM© SPSS^® Statistics vs. 28.0, p < 0.05). Results: A total of 341 dentists (170 Portuguese, 171 Italian) aged 18-75 years participated. The prevalence of self-reported MSDs in Portugal and Italy was 78.8% and 81.9%, respectively. The most affected self-reported MSD body regions were the neck (65.3% Portuguese and 61.4% Italian dentists), shoulder (49.4% Portuguese and 39.2% Italian) and lumbar region (52.4% and 39.2%, respectively). The neck region was the one reported to cause the highest work absenteeism. The higher age group (41-50 years and higher) has a higher risk for self-reported MSD. Multivariate analysis highlighted increased practice time as a significant risk factor for MSDs in the previous year in both countries. Age group, practice duration and work position relative to the patient were significantly linked to MSD occurrence and work avoidance. Conclusions: Dentists showed a high prevalence of self-reported MSD despite performing clinical activity mostly seated. It was concluded that dentists older than 40 years and those who have been working for more than 20 years have a higher risk of MSD, and that endodontics is the area where they report feeling more discomfort. Dentists should be encouraged to take more breaks between appointments and regular exercise to prevent the development/progression of MSDs.