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Brazilian Journal of Clinical Medicine and Review

Health Review

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): January/December - 2026

Precarious Work and Occupational Health in Contemporary Dentistry: An Integrative Review (2013-2025)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.52600/2965-0968.bjcmr.2026.4.1.bjcmr63
Submitted
April 7, 2026
Published
2026-04-27

Abstract

Dentistry combines intense biomechanical exposure with growing psychosocial and organizational pressure. To synthesize evidence on precarious work and occupational health in dentistry and compare Brazilian and international findings. An integrative review with a PRISMA-informed selection flow was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and BVS/LILACS on 27 March 2026 for studies published from 2013 to 2025. Backward citation tracking complemented database searches. Eligible studies addressed dentists or dental staff and examined musculoskeletal, psychosocial, autonomy-related, or labor-market outcomes. Nineteen studies were included. Seven focused on musculoskeletal and ergonomic outcomes, nine on burnout, stress, or job satisfaction, and three on precarization, autonomy, or ethical strain. Musculoskeletal disorders remained highly prevalent, while meta-analyses estimated burnout prevalence at 13%. Brazilian studies added evidence on low reimbursement, loss of autonomy, and harassment in supplemental care and popular clinics. Occupational illness in dentistry is produced by both biomechanical exposure and labor organization. Prevention should integrate ergonomic protection with regulation of workload, remuneration, and clinical autonomy.

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