Swed Dent J
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The aim of this prospective study was to follow the pain and discomfort among dentists in the Public Dental Service in Malmöhus District and the Municipality of Malmö. In this investigation 311 dentists, who had answered questionnaires in 1987 and in 1990, took part. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort had increased, except the lower back pain and headache. ⋯ Of the 262 dentists with symptoms in 1987 twenty-four were without symptoms at the follow-up in 1990. The aim of the investigation was also to study the influence of some ergonomic factors on the course of symptoms. However, these ergonomic variables showed a low predictive value for recovery or for the development of pain and discomfort in the locomotor system.