Malestares musculoesqueléticos en odontólogos: Scoping review

Objective: The purpose of this study is to conduct an analysis and synthesis of the available literature to better understand the relationship between dental practice and musculoskeletal diseases. Methodology: A review was carried out following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology of the last 10 years on musculoskeletal diseases in dentists. PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciELO platforms were used. In PubMed and SciELO, the terms (“Ergonomics”[Mesh]) OR “Myalgia” [Mesh]) OR “Musculoskeletal Diseases” [Mesh]) AND “Dentists” [Mesh]) AND “Dental” were used to carry out the systematic search. “Offices” [Mesh]) OR “Dental Clinics” [Mesh]). The terms “Musculoskeletal Diseases AND Ergonomics AND Dentist” were used in the manual PubMed search. In Google Scholar, the terms “alltittle: dentists, musculoskeletal pain” and “alltittle: dentists, ergonomics” were used. Results: Of a total of 624 articles initially identified, 32 were selected given their relevance. The full texts were subsequently reviewed and after a more detailed analysis, only 11 were included. These articles provide significant information on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in various parts of the dentist’s body, such as shoulders, neck, lower back, knees, and wrists. In addition, they highlight the importance of physical activity, proper ergonomics, and available treatments. Conclusions: The findings suggest a lack of information about the consequences of musculoskeletal disorders in dental practice. The need to increase awareness of this issue and develop effective strategies to prevent and manage these disorders in the dental community, as well as improve practices with better ergonomics, is highlighted.