Musculoskeletal disorders among Brazilian dentists.

Dentists are exposed to several occupational risks. This study aimed at comparing the prevalence of referred morbidity among Brazilian dentists with that reported by doctors, lawyers, and the general population. Data on referred morbidity were obtained from the Brazilian Household Survey. Stratification by gender was performed, and prevalence rate ratios were calculated. Dentists were more likely to report back pain and arthritis than physicians or lawyers. Dentists also reported tendinitis more frequently than physicians, lawyers, and the general population. Stratification revealed that, when compared to physicians and lawyers, male dentists were more likely to refer to back pain and arthritis than did female dentists. However, female dentists were at higher risk to report tendinitis when compared to all 3 reference populations. This study suggests that Brazilian dentists are at higher risk to develop musculoskeletal disorders.