Clinical environmental factors contribute significantly to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in dental hygiene students, with WMSD prevalence rates reaching up to 96% among practicing dental hygienists and 81% among dentists, according to an article published on May 29 by Today's RDH.
The article reports on a study published in the Journal of Dental Education. Researchers identified repetitive hand movements and prolonged static postures -- particularly neck and trunk flexion and rotation -- as primary ergonomic risk drivers.
The findings carry particular weight amid an ongoing dental hygiene workforce shortage, as WMSDs rank among the leading causes of early career attrition in the profession. The authors suggest that targeted ergonomics training at the student level could help reduce long-term injury risk and improve workforce retention.
