Carpal tunnel syndrome. Risk factors and preventive strategies for the dental hygienist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is well recognised as an occupational risk for dental hygienists. The contributing risk factors fall primarily into two categories: medical and occupational. The purposes of this paper are to examine the factors that predispose one to CTS in order to increase awareness among dental hygienists, and to offer preventive strategies that can be incorporated into daily practice.