Awareness, Prevention and Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Professionals - A Questionnaire Based Study

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a common occupational hazard among dental professionals, largely due to static postures, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomics. Despite increasing awareness, gaps remain in prevention and management practices. This study assessed awareness, preventive measures, and management strategies for MSDs among dental professionals in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 500 dental professionals, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and practitioners. A validated structured questionnaire covering demographics, awareness, preventive knowledge, and management practices was distributed via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained (IEC Approval No: 232/IEC/SIBAR/2023). Results: The majority of participants were aged 21–30 years (64%) and female (54%). Awareness of MSDs was high (75%), and prolonged static posture was most often identified as a risk factor (68%). However, only 45% reported receiving formal ergonomic training, and consistent implementation of preventive strategies was noted in just 46% of respondents. MSD symptoms were reported by 52% of participants; yet, only 36% sought professional consultation. Self-medication (30%) and rest (26%) were more common than physical therapy (14%) or ergonomic assessments (10%). Workplace modifications were reported by only 25%. Conclusion: Despite adequate awareness of MSDs, preventive practices and professional management remain underutilized among dental professionals. The findings highlight the urgent need for structured ergonomic training, workplace modifications, and policy-level interventions to reduce MSD-related burden and improve occupational health in dentistry.