Work-related cardiovascular stress in orthodontists: A pilot project

Background Contemporary orthodontics involves many potentially hazardous factors, including psychological stress with proven undesirable sequelae. The purpose of this study was to gain more insight into cardiocirculatory dynamics in orthodontists during work time and specifically to investigate the potential hazard of a series of orthodontic-related stressors. Material and methods The study population consisted of 10 orthodontists (five men and five women, aged 32–65; mean 57 ± 12). A 24-hour automatic device was fitted to each orthodontist to monitor blood pressure and heart rate. The parameter used for statistical analysis was myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) as the product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure (double product). Results The mean MVO2 percent increase in the entire population of orthodontists during the working day was 25.5 ± 14.1 with a range of 0% to 73%. The mean MVO2 percent increase during operative performances was 29.0 ± 14.1 versus 21.2 ± 13.3 during nonoperative performances; the difference was statistically significant (F = 11.7; P < 0.01). The mean MVO2 percent increase in the presence of parents was 28.5 ± 15.2 versus 22.6 ± 12.4 in the absence of parents; the difference was statistically significant (F = 5.4; P < 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between single values of MVO2 percent increases during performances and the degree of patient cooperation (F = 9.4; r = 0.27; P < 0.01). No statistically significant relationship (F = 1.9) was found between single values of MVO2 percent increases during performances and single values of subjective stress experienced by each orthodontist during each performance. Conclusions Routine practice affects the cardiovascular system of orthodontists during the working day. Lack of patient cooperation and psychological pressure from parents in the dental office may have a negative impact on the degree of circulatory dynamics.