Final answer:
Many dental assistants suffer from acute pain related to thermal stress from dental fillings and work-related musculoskeletal pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of acute pain that many dental assistants may suffer with is thermal stress related to dental fillings. Dental fillings can expand differently from tooth enamel, which can cause pain when eating cold or hot foods and beverages. The expansion of fillings can also lead to cracks or fractures in the fillings, resulting in further discomfort. To alleviate this pain, metal fillings are being replaced with composite fillings that have smaller coefficients of expansion.
Another type of acute pain that dental assistants may experience is work-related musculoskeletal pain. This can be caused by factors such as work overload, heavy physical work, and improper posture while assisting during dental procedures. This pain can be managed by implementing ergonomic practices, taking breaks, and using proper body mechanics.