Postural Care for the Dental Professionals

Introduction In dentistry is vital to maintain a correct posture during the treatment of patients to avoid in this way musculoskeletal injuries that can be placed in their body. Constant physical exercises serve as prophylaxis for all dental professionals of all ages. An unforced position of the body, hands and arms relaxed and constant physical exercises of upper limbs and back are the key to the success of the dental professionals work. Objective The objective of this practical study is to emphasize the special role of physical activity and correct posture for the dentists during their profession. Daily physical exercises need to return part of their daily routine to prevent pain in the neck, back and shoulder. Methods The study included 56 dentists from 35-60 years old, in different private clinics during a period of 9 months (January September 2016). According to the questionnaires 40 % of them refer pain of one or both shoulders and decreased grip strength, 55 % of them refer for neck pain that spreads to the shoulder and associated with hand numbness and 5 % did not specifically complain of any pain. Results Doctors, who followed the advices of the physiotherapist for the way of body position during patients treatment and which implemented a regular physical exercises program referred a decrease of the pain level from the value 6 to 3 by VAS (visual analogue scale), respectively in shoulders and back. They feel less fatigue at the end of the day, experience less pain, and they are able to provide the quality of service that their patients demand. In this aspect the role of the physiotherapist is very important for the health and the success of dental professionals.