Self-reported risk factors related to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints among Czech dentists

The purpose of the study was to describe the occurrence of the most commoncomplaints related to MSDs in Czech dentists and to assess the risk factors affectingthem. A questionnaire survey of 581 Czech dentists (the response rate 72.6%) was conductedin 2011. The questionnaire ascertained general information about the respondents, theirwork habits and environment along with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. Therespondents filled out the questionnaires during the educational events organized by theCzech Dental Chamber. At least mild difficulties associated with the motoric system werereported by 96.9% of the respondents, with 66.3% of respondents reporting moderate ormajor difficulties. Back and neck pain followed by shoulder pain and headache were themost common complaints in our sample. According to our data: age, gender, length ofpractice, a history of serious MSDs, the occurrence of MSDs in blood relatives, theperception of work as psychologically demanding, and especially a perceived moderate/badgeneral health were significantly associated with the four most common musculoskeletalcomplaints. Some of the factors were found as protective. This study suggests that MSDsrepresent a significant burden for Czech dentists and further research is needed toelucidate this issue.