Work-related musculo-skeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant occupational health issue in dentistry (Leggat et al. 2007; Puriene et al. 2007; Hayes et al. 2009a). WMSDs are defined as injuries to the human support system, which consists of the bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as the vascular and nerve supply (Luttman et al, 2007). Commonly affected body regions include the neck, shoulder and lower back, but they can affect any area of the body, including elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles (Graham, 2002).
WMSDs can occur after a single event but, in the field of dentistry, occur more commonly after cumulative trauma, as a result of repetitive movements and constant low-weight bearing on the muscles (Luttman et al, 2007).
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