Prevalence of Work‐Related Hazards Impacting Health and Well‐Being Among Australian Dental Practitioners: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

This scoping review explored the prevalence of work‐related psychological and physical health issues among Australian dental practitioners, mapped across key occupational hazard domains (psychosocial/organisational, physical/ergonomic and environmental/infection‐related) and summarised reported impacts on practitioner well‐being and workforce outcomes. Databases including Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed were systematically searched from 2015 to March 2025 to capture contemporary practice and COVID‐19 pandemic period. Eligible studies focused on Australian dental practitioners and reported the prevalence of psychological or musculoskeletal outcomes, and risk or protective factors. Data were synthesised narratively in line with a hazard–outcome framework. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria (nine pandemic‐era, seven pre‐pandemic). Across these studies, dental practitioners frequently reported psychological outcomes (distress, burnout, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation) and musculoskeletal symptoms related to awkward postures and repetitive tasks, particularly when exposed to high workload pressures, emotional demands and limited support. Pandemic‐related infection‐control and workload pressures were associated with additional stress and fatigue. Reported protective factors included resilience, emotional regulation and supportive workplace or peer environments. This scoping review indicates persistent and overlapping psychosocial, ergonomic and infection‐related hazards that may place Australian dental practitioners at risk of mental and physical health challenges, emphasising need for integrated, multi‐level strategies and tailored workplace interventions to foster psychologically safe workplaces.