Introduction Dentistry is an interesting and motivating occupation but is arduous physically. Failure to accustom with the settings can predispose to ailment or injury. Musculoskeletal disorders usually contribute to early retirement among dental professionals. The purpose of the study was to find the common musculoskeletal disorders experienced by the dental employees and dental undergraduates in AIMST University, Malaysia.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 dental personnel including dentists, dental technicians and dental students in AIMST University, Malaysia. A self-applicable questionnaire and direct observation of operator’s position by the research team was used for assess the possibility of musculoskeletal problems in dental personnel’s. Questionnaires were filled up, collected and tabulated using Microsoft Excel.  Then, based on the data, a descriptive analysis was done using SPSS Statistics Software.

Results

81% were not having musculoskeletal problems due to adopted posture while 19% are having the problem.  61% felt that back pain is the most common musculoskeletal problem in dental practice and 1% felt that wrist/leg pain or head pain affects them more. Based on the study, it was evident that majority of dentists follow the correct chair positions while delivering treatment to the patients.

Conclusions The majority of the dental students had good general health whereas the frequency of musculosketal problems increased in the professionals as the year of experience increased. Practicing optimal working methods, precise postures and regular strengthening excercises could reduce musculoskeletal problems and injuries thereby improving the health of the dentists.