Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common occupational diseases and a leading cause of disability among healthcare workers. Due to the nature of their work, employees in healthcare and social care are particularly exposed to the development of these disorders. However, there are differences depending on the risks associated with specific job positions and the related workload. Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among employees is pursued through ergonomic workplace adaptations and raising awareness about workplace health. Purpose: To present the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists, and to emphasize the importance of ergonomics in preventing these issues. Methods: A literature review covering the past ten years was conducted. Literature was searched in the bibliographic databases DiKUL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Only open-access articles addressing musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry were included. Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals ranges from 78.4 to 98.5 %. The neck, back, shoulders, wrists, and hands are the most commonly affected areas. The main risk factors are prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movements, lack of breaks, and inadequate working conditions. Women and older workers are more frequently affected. Discussion and conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders significantly affect the quality of life and work ability of dental professionals. Effective prevention includes ergonomic workplace adjustments, education, health promotion, and organizational changes. Registered nurses working in health promotion also play a key role in identifying risks and implementing preventive measures. Systemic solutions aimed at long-term protection of employee health are necessary.
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