Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Awareness Among Dental Professionals

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common occupational morbidities among dental professionals, largely driven by sustained static loading, awkward postures, and repetitive fine motor tasks, potentially impairing performance and career longevity. Objective: To determine the prevalence and anatomical distribution of musculoskeletal pain, assess postural awareness, and evaluate the association of frequent bending posture with pain intensity and procedural fatigue among dental professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in dental clinics, hospitals, and institutes in Karachi, Pakistan. Using non-probability convenience sampling, 130 eligible dental professionals (≥25 years; ≥2 years clinical experience) completed a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing musculoskeletal symptoms (site and intensity), fatigue during procedures, frequent bending posture (yes/no/sometimes), and postural awareness (good/average/poor). Associations were tested using chi-square analysis with effect size estimation (Cramér’s V); statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Mean age was 31.41±8.22 years. Pain intensity was mild in 55/130 (42.3%), moderate in 68/130 (52.3%), and severe in 7/130 (5.4%). The most common pain sites were neck/shoulder (61/130; 46.9%) and back/waist (59/130; 45.4%). Postural awareness was poor in 63/130 (48.5%), average in 60/130 (46.2%), and good in 7/130 (5.4%). Frequent bending posture was significantly associated with pain intensity (χ²=21.66, p<0.001; Cramér’s V=0.29) and procedural fatigue (χ²=10.78, p=0.029; Cramér’s V=0.20). Conclusion: MSD-related pain and suboptimal postural awareness were highly prevalent among dental professionals, and frequent bending posture was significantly associated with higher pain intensity and fatigue, supporting the need for targeted ergonomic and posture-focused interventions.