Ergonomic interventions and physiotherapy for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals: A narrative review
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Abstract
One of the most common and career-limiting occupational injuries in dental practice is associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) which are caused by prolonged static and asymmetric postures, sustained fine-motor precision and the restricted operating space in the oral cavity. There is a wide range of prevalence reported over the career and symptoms can often develop as early as during the undergraduate clinical years. Preventive strategies have been traditionally studied separately, mostly under the physical ergonomics umbrella (operator-chair mechanics, magnification loupes with optimized declination angle, 4-handed dentistry), or under the physiotherapeutic exercise umbrella (core stabilization, scapular re-education, structured micro-breaks). This narrative review summarizes the available evidence relating to the intervention families and especially to the families using both interventions. Based on the results of randomized, quasi-experimental, and comparative longitudinal studies found in the major databases, the review suggests that there is only a moderate effect that can be achieved from single-layer interventions because implementing equipment alone is not sufficient to re-train the entrenched neuromotor habits. Multi-component protocols, on the other hand – which combine structural ergonomic modification with targeted (professionally supervised) physiotherapy, consistently deliver large, clinically relevant decreases in pain intensity and objective postural-risk scores, with the largest effects when four handed workflows and specialty-specific loupes are integrated with active neuromuscular conditioning. The review also emphasizes the early stage of dysfunction of dental trainees and calls for the incorporation of ergonomic and physiotherapeutic education in curricula and occupational-health policy. Evidence-informed integrated programs are the most defensible way to maintain the health of dental practitioners and their clinical longevity in the dental workforce.
Dates & metrics
- Received
- 10 Apr 2026
- Accepted
- 22 Jun 2026
- Published
- 16 Jul 2026
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How to cite this article
Arya P, Rauthan A. Ergonomic interventions and physiotherapy for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals: A narrative review. J. Sci. Adv. Dent. 2026;1(2):68-73. doi:10.65929/JSAD.2026.1.2.007
Arya, P., & Rauthan, A. (2026). Ergonomic interventions and physiotherapy for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals: A narrative review. Journal of Scientific Advances in Dentistry, 1(2), 68-73. https://doi.org/10.65929/JSAD.2026.1.2.007
Pooja Arya, and Arti Rauthan. "Ergonomic interventions and physiotherapy for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals: A narrative review." Journal of Scientific Advances in Dentistry, vol. 1, no. 2, 2026, pp. 68-73. https://doi.org/10.65929/JSAD.2026.1.2.007
Pooja Arya, and Arti Rauthan. "Ergonomic interventions and physiotherapy for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental professionals: A narrative review." Journal of Scientific Advances in Dentistry 1, no. 2 (2026): 68-73. https://doi.org/10.65929/JSAD.2026.1.2.007
© 2026 the authors. Published by REVO Publication. This article is distributed under CC BY 4.0, which permits use and redistribution provided the original work is properly cited.