Abhinav Sharma, Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
J. Ramkumar, Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shalini Gupta, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Ayushi Jain, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dentistry is a physically demanding profession that requires clinicians to manage a wide range of oral health conditions, from routine caries to more complex pathologies. Advancements in dental materials and treatment techniques have improved patient outcomes, but the core clinical procedures remain largely manual and repetitive. Combined with an imbalanced patient-to-dentist ratio, these factors place significant physical demands on practitioners, who frequently adopt awkward postures for extended periods. As a result, many dentists face a heightened risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which can compromise their health and career longevity. This work is a combination of a literature review augmented with a field survey to examine the ergonomic issues inherent in general dental practice and highlights how conventional preventive strategies often fall short. To support this analysis, we conducted a structured survey among practicing dentists to map common risk factors. Based on these insights, we propose a conceptual collaborative robotic system that can share the physical workload and reduce postural strain. By combining literature review and risk assessment, this study emphasizes the need for integrated solutions that go beyond awareness campaigns or isolated design tweaks. The findings suggest that a thoughtful blend of ergonomics and robotics could significantly improve working conditions for dentists, lowering the prevalence of WMSDs and promoting sustainable professional wellbeing.
Keywords: Dental ergonomics. Occupational health. Musculoskeletal disorders. Risk mitigation. Collaborative robotics. Clinical practice. Digital dentistry.
