Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists: Associations With Posture and Quality of Life in Shaanxi, China

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence and pain distribution of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dentists in Shaanxi Province, examine the associations of demographic and working posture factors with MSDs, and evaluate the impact of MSDs on quality of life. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dentists in tertiary hospitals in Shaanxi Province. Data on demographic and occupational characteristics, work-related MSDs, and posture-related factors were collected, and quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Univariate analyses and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed to identify factors associated with MSDs. Results Among 560 dentists (25.5%male), most were aged 31 to 40 years (44.3%). The prevalence of MSDs was 87.5%, with the neck (73.8%), lower back (70.7%), and shoulders (65.0%) most commonly affected. Multivariable analysis showed that sustained trunk flexion, neck rotation, and wrist flexion/extension were significantly associated with MSDs, whereas sex, age, and other demographic factors were not. Dentists with MSDs had lower WHOQOL-BREF scores in the physical (53.57 [46.43-64.29]), psychological (50.00 [41.67-58.33]), and environmental domains (50.00 [43.75-62.50]) than those without MSDs (all P < .05), with no difference in social relationships (66.67 [50.00-75.00]). Conclusion MSDs were highly prevalent among dentists in Shaanxi Province and were associated with prolonged non-neutral working postures. Dentists with MSDs reported lower quality of life in several domains. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationships between working posture and MSDs and to evaluate the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. International Dental Journal, 2026 · DOI ↗