Introduction: Dentistry is a high risk profession for developing MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders) because of the high visual demands, prolonged static posture, repetitive motion, inadequate lighting and mental stress that result in prolonged and affixed aswell as uncomfortable postures. Aim of Work: To study the occurrence of MSDs among dentists in comparison to physician at Minia University Hospitals. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 328 participants; 164 dental and 164 medical practitioners recruited, interviewed and examined during the period from February, 2015 to December, 2015. Every participant completed a questionnaire that included his socio-demographic data, full occupational history and lifestyle factors as well as information about any job-related MSDs. Describing and
determining the site of pain was performed by using the Modified Standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), while the severity of pain was assessed by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: However, both the dentist and physician groups were matched regarding their age and sex, MSDs were significantly higher among dentists (88.4%) than physician (58.5%), (p=0.001), (OR=5.4). Neck (63.4%), low back (54.3%), shoulder (53%), wrist (49.4%) and upper back (44.5%) were the most common MSDs among dentists. The most common factors that lead to the occurrence of MSDs were prolonged static posture, long duration of employment and increased work load and working hours. Conclusion: MSDs are much higher among dentists than physicians. Neck and low back are the most common sites of MSDs among dental personnel. MSDs risk factors include prolonged static posture, long duration of employment and increased work load and working hours.