ABSTRACT
Despite the improvements in aspects such as technology, ergonomics and work environment (Leggat et al., 2007, Lindfors et al., 2006), dental practitioners are still at higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) than most of the other occupational groups (Akesson et al., 1999, Finsen et al., 1998, Kerosuo et al., 2000). Increased risk of MSDs was also found among dental students, indicating that musculoskeletal symptoms may appear very soon after a short period of clinical training (Melis et al., 2004, Rising et al., 2005,Tezel et al., 2005). However, even if work-related MSDs are recognized as the most concerning occupational health problem among dentists (Chowanadisai et al., 2000), the clinical practice is still centred on patients and little attention is paid to the practitioners while performing the treatments (Pentikis, 1998).
