Sex and academic stage differences in work-related musculoskeletal disorders pain among dental students. A cross-center cross-sectional study

Objective: Dental professionals are highly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). As females, who are more prone to WMSD, represent a growing proportion of the dental workforce, this study explored sex differences in WMSD-pain prevalence among dental students, and differentiated it between preclinical and clinical students. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students at three U.S. dental schools. An anonymous survey assessed prevalence of WMSD pain over the last 12 months and 7 days using the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. Sex and academic stage differences were analyzed with independent t-tests and chi-square, adjusted for demographics and occupational habits (working hours, self-reported ergonomics, loupes, sport engagement) with ANCOVA. Results: Among 175 students (26.6 +/- 3.6 years, 66.9% females), 93.7% and 57.7% reported WMSD-pain in the past 12 months and 7 days, respectively. Females scored higher than males in pain intensity (p=.025), WMSD-pain prevalence in the past 7 days (p=.006), and number of painful body sites in the past 12 months (p=.006) and 7 days (p<.001). Clinical students had higher WMSD-pain prevalence (p<.001) and number of painful body sites (p<.001) in the past 7 days than preclinical students. Differences remained significant only among females. Conclusion: A high prevalence of WMSD-pain was evident in dental students, with significant sex and academic stage differences.