Musculoskeletal health of the woman dentist: distinctive interventions for a growing population.

Abstract

Female dentists face unique musculoskeletal demands and inherent gender differences that may place them at higher risk for occupational pain and injury than their male counterparts. By familiarizing themselves with unique muscle imbalances, specific pain syndromes, and positioning challenges to which they are predisposed, female dentists may take pre-emptive action and initiate ergonomic intervention in the operatory and specific exercise at home to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.