The research behind
the handout
Every statistic presented at the May 27 workshop is drawn from peer-reviewed research. Below you will find each study, its key findings as they appeared on the handout, and a link to the original abstract.
A retrospective analysis of records from one organisation operating in the private medical sickness industry in the UK. Examined the reasons for premature retirement of 393 dentists who retired due to illness between 1981 and 1992. The study also evaluated the association between causes of retirement and occupational stress. 82.7% of cases were in the over-50 age group.
A questionnaire-based study distributed to 207 dentists known to have retired due to ill health, examining the factors contributing to premature retirement of general dental practitioners. 189 questionnaires were returned. The study examined causes, outcomes, and re-employment rates following ill-health retirement.
A cross-sectional survey of 450 German dentists and dental students using a modified Nordic Questionnaire. The study examined prevalence rates across three time periods (7-day, 12-month, and lifetime) for multiple body regions including neck, shoulder, lower back, and upper extremities. The study also compared MSD rates to the general population and examined gender differences.
This figure comes from a survey-based report published on DentistryIQ, a professional publication for dental clinicians. It is not a peer-reviewed journal study. The 92% figure is consistent with the broader peer-reviewed literature, which shows annual MSD prevalence in dental hygienists ranging from 60–96% across multiple studies. The body region breakdown (neck 67%, upper back 59%, lower back 46%) is sourced to the same report.
A comparative cross-sectional study examining work-related MSD prevalence across three healthcare professions using an identical self-reporting Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. 300 participants total — 100 physicians practicing modern or alternative medicine, 100 surgeons of various specialties, and 100 dental surgeons. All groups were assessed on location of MSD symptoms in the past 12 months and pain experienced during professional work.
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis examining the prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases and pain among dental professionals in Western countries. The literature search covered MEDLINE, CINAHL, LIVIVO, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science. 41 studies were included in the review; 30 met criteria for meta-analysis. Prevalence rates ranged from 10.8% to 97.9% across included studies. Potential occupational risk factors — including awkward working posture, high patient volume, administrative work, vibration, and repetition — were also analyzed.
A comprehensive systematic review examining the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in dental personnel and their possible causative factors. All research studies and literature reviews reporting on MSD prevalence and potential risk factors in dentists, dental hygienists, and dental students were included. The review found overall MSD prevalence ranging from 64% to 93%, with clear differences in regional distribution between dentists and dental hygienists.
A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence on work-related MSD prevalence among surgeons and interventionalists. 21 articles encompassing 5,828 physicians were included (mean age 46 years, 78.5% male, 12.8 years in practice, 14.4 hours performing procedures per week). The study also examined disability burden and the impact of MSD on surgical careers and patient care.
A systematic critical review of the literature determining the prevalence of neck pain in the world population. A systematic search was conducted across five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, OSH-ROM, and PsycINFO). 56 papers were included. Mean prevalence estimates were calculated for six prevalence periods — point, week, month, 6 months, year, and lifetime — and considered separately for age, gender, quality score, and geography.
A five-year longitudinal prospective study following 73 dentistry students at Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic from 2014 to 2021. The same students completed identical questionnaires at the beginning of Year 1, the middle of their studies, and at the end of Year 5. A control group of 28 general medicine students also participated. The study assessed overall MSD occurrence and analyzed potential risk and protective factors including physical activity and sport participation.