Assessment of dental ergonomics knowledge and prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dental hygienists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Dental professionals are at risk of developing various occupational diseases and disorders, with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being the most prevalent. This study examines the level of knowledge among dental hygienists (students, interns, and licensed practitioners) regarding dental ergonomic practices and investigates the prevalence, common locations, and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). A self-administered and validated bilingual (English/Arabic) questionnaire was constructed utilizing Google Forms and distributed to participants across all regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included 35 closed-ended items and two open-ended questions, organized into three sections: demographic and professional data, ergonomic practices, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.22.0. Descriptive statistics summarized categorical variables; chi-square tests enabled comparative analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also performed to adjust for potential confounding variables. A total of 334 participants completed the survey. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders were reported by 95.3% (n = 201) of licensed dental hygienists and 80.5% (n = 99) of students, with the neck and lower back identified as the most affected regions. The most frequently reported pain site for both genders was the neck [females 63.4% (n = 117); males 64.9% (n = 96)], and tension neck syndrome was the most commonly diagnosed condition across the cohort (32.47%). Despite awareness of ergonomic principles, adherence to proper ergonomic practices remains limited. The findings emphasize the need for structured ergonomic education, early preventive interventions, and evidence-based workplace strategies to reduce occupational strain and improve the long-term health and professional sustainability of dental hygienists.