Impact of early ergonomics exposure on awareness and postural assessment in second year pre-clinical undergraduate dental students

Background and objectives: Dental health professionals are commonly associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain and soreness, which often progress gradually. Early introduction to right posture habit according to ergonomics is very important, so that can be practiced and followed in future work. Objective of the study was to compare the awareness and postural assessment related to dental operatory position among second-year preclinical undergraduate students before and after early exposure to ergonomics in dentistry. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted involving 60 second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students recruited through simple random sampling. Each participant performed a standardized tooth preparation task in a simulated environment. During the procedure, ergonomic assessment was conducted using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method by three trained observers. RULA scores were calculated by evaluating posture, muscle use, and force related to the upper limb, neck, trunk, and legs. The RULA scores and test scores (Pre and post awareness scores) obtained were then statistically analyzed. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in both ergonomic awareness and postural scores following the intervention. Mean awareness scores decreased significantly across all observers (p < 0.001). Inter-observer reliability was high (Cronbach’s alpha: pre 0.793, post 0.890). Most questionnaire and RULA items showed highly significant improvement (p < 0.001), except for questions related to attitudes toward continuing dental education and stretching exercises, which were already positive at baseline. Conclusion: A structured, simulation-based ergonomic awareness program significantly improved both knowledge and practical application of ergonomic principles among dental students. These findings support the integration of ergonomics into dental education to promote healthier work practices and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.