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<0.001). Crucially, the non-utilization of magnification loupes was significantly associated with increased neck pain (p=0.020), while the absence of four-handed dentistry proved to be a primary catalyst for severe lower back pain (p<0.001). Furthermore, the high pain severity led to significant occupational disruption, with 49.1% of dentists requiring sick leave, exacerbated by a widespread neglect of preventive micro-breaks and stretching. Based on the synthesis of these findings, WMSDs are a highly prevalent and debilitating risk for pediatric dentists. Strict adherence to fundamental ergonomic interventions—specifically the use of magnification loupes and four-handed dentistry—is mechanically crucial for occupational longevity. The severity of the problem firmly establishes the urgent need to transition from passive awareness to the active, mandatory implementation of ergonomic protocols and gender-sensitive preventive strategies in pediatric dental practice.