Magister Chirurgiae Dentium (MChD) / Occupational hazards are common among many professions and dentistry is no exception. Occupational hazards include percutaneous injuries, inhalation of noxious chemicals, noise and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Despite the fact that MSD have been documented to be very prevalent among dentists in various countries, there is a paucity of literature from South Africa. Aim The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among the dentists in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa and to identify risk factors associated with it. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive one and questionnaires were used to elicit information regarding socio-demographic details, medical history, work history and work-related posture information from dentists based in KwaZulu-Natal. A convenience sample of all qualified dentists in this region who were registered members of the South African Dental Association (SADA) was used. Results One hundred and nine dentists responded to the questionnaire. The response rate was 31%. The majority were male; a third aged between 30 - 39 years and the ratio of females to males was 1:3. Almost all the dentists reported pain in the neck, lower back and shoulder. Less than a quarter of the dentists in KZN reported hand pain, numbness in the hands and a tingling sensation in the hands. More than three quarters reported that they had no negative effects when performing restorative work and scaling and polishing, but 3.1% reported having extreme levels of pain. The most common working position reported was the 2 0' clock position. Nearly three quarters rotated their necks while performing clinical dentistry and a third tilted their shoulders towards their dominant hand. There was no relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and whether respondents treated patients while seated or standing and neither was there a relationship between pain in the lower back and BMI. There was a strong association between pain in the neck while performing clinical work and the number of years in practice confounded by age. When compared to other countries the prevalence of MSD is very high. The highest occurrence was for neck, back and shoulder pain. Avoiding these injuries is critical and self-recognition is important in either preventing further injuries or in increasing severity of the condition. The findings of this study suggests that it may be valuable to include ergonomic work practice in the training of dentists and dentists should be involved in a proper exercise routine which should include stretching and weight training to prevent injuries. Regular breaks should be taken to perform stretching exercises in-between the management of patients in order to reduce the risk of MSD.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Nineteenth Century dentists in South Africa were brought under the provision of legislation in Natal and the Transvaal (1896) and the Cape Colony and the Orange Free State (1899). By the end of the Nineteenth Century a group identity had been established and the transition from a craft to a profession completed. From 1900-1958 dental societies were formed. Key dates are 1922 when the South African Dental Society, which became the Dental Society of South Africa (D.A.S.A.) after Incorporation in 1935, was constituted. Collective action by dentists, implemented through the societies, shaped the profession. From 1933-1948 the constitution of the D.A.S.A. was streamlined. The Magna Charta of Dentistry (Act 13, 1928) was enacted defining dentistry and the practice thereof. The Dental Mechanicians Act (1945) protected the mechanician, the dentist and the public against illicit practitioners. The D.A.S.A. initiated the Professional Provident Society for dentists, now extended to include all the professions. In 1936 tbe first National Congress was held, in 1953 the first International Congress, setting a future pattern. The status of the dentist was further improved by obtaining the right to use the courtesy title Dr and by the abolition of the professional licence fee (1938). The earliest .societies set up voluntary clinics for children and the indigent. The Transvaal initiated a provincial scheme for childrens' followed by the other provinces. Dental Services, a fully fledged of Health. dentistry, This evolved into branch of the Department Witwatersrand University established a dental school in 1925, followed by .the Universities of Pretoria, Stellenbosch , Western Cape and Medunsa. Facilities for postgraduate 'study exist at all these institutions. The R.E.D. Fund Aids Research Education and Development in the field of dentistry. The first unofficial Dental Journal was published in 1927, followed by the Official Bulletin (1945-1946) and finally the Official Journal of the D.A.S.A. During the Anglo Boer War the importance of healthy dentitions'for soldiers was first realised. Four conntract dentists att~nded to the British soldiers. The South African dentists served in the Army Dental Corps during the two world wars. Dentistry in South Africa is now on a par with dentistry in any country of the Western world.