Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among residents at the Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among residents at the Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje. Materials and Methods: The study included 70 dental residents from the Faculty of Dentistry in Skopje who commenced their specialization during the 2022/2023 academic year. Each participant received a questionnaire consisting of a Modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and several self-developed questions. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel, applying the appropriate formula for the Chi-square test. Results: Of all respondents, 42 were female (60%), and 28 were male (40%). The majority of respondents were between 31 and 40 years of age. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental residents over the past 12 months was 52.9% (37 out of 70 participants), indicating that more than half reported experiencing MSDs. The most commonly affected body region was the neck, reported by 27 participants (73%), followed by the lower back in 23 participants (62.2%), the shoulders in 20 (54.1%), the arms in 13 (35.1%), and the legs in 10 (27%). Conclusion: The occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental residents is on the rise, with a significant presence of musculoskeletal pain. Therefore, the importance of maintaining proper posture during dental procedures and engaging in regular physical activity should be emphasized as preventive measures against these disorders.