The demands of the dental profession can inflict both physical and emotional pain on dental practitioners. However, while dentists recognise pain management as a top priority when treating their patients, their own pain often goes unmanaged, sometimes with dire consequences. Here, we share evidence-based strategies to help dental professionals enjoy the same freedom from pain that they strive to give their patients.
Dentistry – a painful profession?
To outsiders, dentistry may not appear to be a particularly physically demanding profession. The patient may see you standing fairly still while you probe around with small, light instruments, and think: well, it’s hardly running a marathon!
Meanwhile, your back aches from standing, twisting and turning all day. Straining to get a good view of the oral cavity has left your neck sore and your eyes tired. Your shoulders are tense from carefully controlling your movements. Your hands are cramped from gripping and manipulating instruments, working precisely in a confined space with delicate tissue...
