CONCLUSIONS Based on a limited number of studies , the use of ergonomic saddle seats and dental loupes leads to improved working postures .
The use of loupes appears to relieve shoulder , arm and h and pain .
However , their effect on neck pain is scarce .
None of the studies reported on the effect of the saddle seats on musculoskeletal pain .
OBJECTIVES Musculoskeletal disorders affect a high percentage of dentists , dental hygienists and therapists .
Static and awkward working postures are considered as major risk factors .
Proper seat selection and use of magnification loupes are promoted for their ergonomic benefits .
The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the effect of the above interventions on ( i ) correction of poor posture and ( ii ) reduction in musculoskeletal pain .
Working postures of dentists and dental hygienists.
A joint study was conducted by a manufacturer of dental stools in the Midwest of the United States and Marquette University to measure the occupational postures of dentists and dental hygienists . The postures of 10 dentists and 10 dental hygienists were assessed using work sampling and video techniques .  Postural data of the neck , shoulders and lower back were recorded from video and categorized into 30-degree intervals : o ( neutral posture of respective joint ) , 30 , 60 and 90 degrees . Each subject 's postures were observed while they were treating patients during a four-hour period , during which 100 observations of postures were recorded at r and om times . Compared to st and ing , dentists and dental hygienists were seated 78 percent and 66 percent of the time , respectively . Dentists and dental hygienists flexed their trunk at least 30 degrees more than 50 percent of the time . They flexed their neck at least 30 degrees 85 percent of the time during the four-hour duration , and their shoulders were elevated to the side of their trunk ( abducted ) at least 30 degrees more half of the time . The postures of the trunk , shoulders , and neck were primarily static . This data base of postures can be used by dental professionals and ergonomists to assess the risk dentists and dental hygienists are exposed to musculoskeletal disorders , such as low back pain or shoulder tenosynovitis , from deviated joint postures . They could use these data to select dental furniture or dental devices that promote good body posture , i.e. , reduce the magnitude and duration of deviated joint postures , which , in theory , would decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders
CONCLUSIONS Based on a limited number of studies , the use of ergonomic saddle seats and dental loupes leads to improved working postures .
The use of loupes appears to relieve shoulder , arm and h and pain .
However , their effect on neck pain is scarce .
None of the studies reported on the effect of the saddle seats on musculoskeletal pain .
OBJECTIVES Musculoskeletal disorders affect a high percentage of dentists , dental hygienists and therapists .
Static and awkward working postures are considered as major risk factors .
Proper seat selection and use of magnification loupes are promoted for their ergonomic benefits .
The aim of this review was to evaluate the existing empirical evidence on the effect of the above interventions on ( i ) correction of poor posture and ( ii ) reduction in musculoskeletal pain .