Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomic Practices Among Pediatric Dentists in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a severe occupational hazard in dentistry, with pediatric dentists facing unique biomechanical challenges due to the demanding nature of patient behavior management. Despite the recognized global burden, there is a critical scarcity of targeted ergonomic research regarding this high-risk specialty in developing nations. This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, anatomical distribution, and severity of WMSDs among pediatric dentists in Jordan, and to investigate the direct associations between these disorders and specific ergonomic practices. A validated survey, adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, was administered to 110 licensed pediatric dentists. The clinical data revealed an alarmingly high WMSD prevalence, with 88.2% of practitioners reporting musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, predominantly affecting the neck (62.7%), shoulders (58.2%), and lower back (52.7%). Female pediatric dentists exhibited a significantly higher susceptibility to both cervical (p=0.008) and lumbar pain (p