Full Title: The Relationship of Handedness, Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Dental Hygienists

Authors: Kristin R. Natali, Susan J. Jenkins Lewando, Linda D. Boyd and Jared Vineyard

JDH Issue: August 2025

Program Track: Research

Abstract: Purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) have a high prevalence among dental hygienists (DHs). However, there is a gap in the literature on WMSDs related to handedness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between WMSDs, handedness, and HRQoL in DHs in clinical practice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of DHs residing in the United States or Canada. The survey instrument consisted of three validated questionnaires on handedness, WMSDs, and HRQoL, as well as an open-ended question on the effects of WMSDs on HRQoL. Measures of frequency and logistic regression were used to determine handedness, and injuries and their influence on HRQoL. Results: A total of 335 participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Most identified as right-handed (78.2%, n=262); a smaller group identified as left handed (8.1%, n=27). Respondents reported that WMSDs in the lower back (39.8% n=94) and wrist/hand (34.6%, n=82) over the past 12 months negatively impacted work activities. Handedness and the average number of weekly hours devoted to patient care were associated with poor physical health (p=.05), poor mental health (p=<.001), and activity limitation (p=.02). However, handedness was not a predictor of WMSDs or HRQoL. Conclusion: While the prevalence of left-handedness in this study was higher than in the general population, handedness was not a predictor of WMSDs and HRQoL. However, WMSDs of the lower back, wrists/hands, and neck affected the ability to work in the past 12 months, and WMSDs of the upper back negatively impacted HRQoL..

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the prevalence and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dental hygienists.
• Analyze the relationship between handedness and the occurrence of WMSDs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
• Identify ergonomic and occupational factors that influence physical and mental health outcomes in dental hygienists.

CE Credit Hours: 2.0

The American Dental Hygienists' Association is designated as an approved provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHADH (Jan. 1, 2025–Dec. 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association is an approved provider of dental continuing education as recognized by the Dental Board of California, Provider #5238.