Aim of the study. The objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of pain, ergonomic skills in the dental workplace and the frequency of health-promoting behaviour among dentists. Material and methods. The survey was based on an anonymous questionnaire. The group comprised 223 dentists (172 women and 51 men). The respondents gave answers to 3 groups of questions covering demographic data, working methods, experience of pain and the methods dentists used to treat such pain. Results. The survey confirmed that the occurrence of pain in the musculoskeletal system is a universal problem. The cause lies in the failure of dentists to observe the basic rules of ergonomics as well as poor work organisation. 81.86% of dentists and 19.13% of graduate dentists reported musculoskeletal pain over the course of the previous 12 months. Chronic pain affected 30.09% of the respondents. Pain was most frequently located in the lumbosacral region (35.91%). The study revealed a correlation between years of working experience and the percentage of dentists reporting pain. 71.82% of the respondents had undergone treatment for pain, 34% of whom sought the assistance of a doctor. Treatment helped improve the problem in 90.96% of cases. Conclusion. The study showed that dentists already require instruction in ergonomics during their undergraduate training and they should observe these rules during their professional careers. Regular relaxation exercise reduces or eliminates pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Key words: dentistry, ergonomics, occupational disease, back pain.