Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Awareness Among Dental Professionals

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