Musculoskeletal Disorders among Lithuanian Dentists and Oral Hygienists

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional observational study aims to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Lithuanian dentists and dental hygienists and determine the most affected body areas. Material and Methods: An anonymous survey was carried out from October 20, 2024, to December 5, 2024. The questionnaire was distributed online to Lithuanian specialists - dentists and oral hygienists. A total of 382 professionals were included in this survey. Chi-square test, its degrees of freedom was used for the analysis of variables. Results: The study involved 382 participants who reported experiencing pain in the neck (65.7%), shoulders (59.7%), and lower back (58.1%) in the past 12 months, while only 4.5% did not experience any discomfort. Based on the study data, 19.4% of respondents were unable to perform their regular work due to problems related to pain in certain areas during the last 12 months. In addition, 49.5% of specialists had never consulted a physiotherapist or doctor about their condition during the past year. As many as 20.7% of respondents stated that they were completely physically inactive, and 18.1% engaged in low-intensity physical activity. Conclusions: Overall, dentists and dental hygienists in Lithuania face a significant prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in their profession. Considering the magnitude of this issue, it is essential to implement university-level preventive education programs that provide dental professionals with comprehensive ergonomic knowledge.