Enhancing Dentists’ Resilience and Occupational Sustainability Through Physical Activity: A Systematic Review in the Post-Pandemic Context

Background: Dental professionals face high levels of occupational stress, which intensi-fied during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased burnout, diminished well-being, and signs of accelerated biological aging. This systematic review explores the role of physical activity as a protective factor for mental and physical health, with a focus on promoting resilience and long-term occupational sustainability in a post-pandemic, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified via PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using MeSH terms related to dentistry, physical activity, stress management, and occupational health. Inclusion and quality appraisal followed standardized criteria. Results: Out of 850 records screened, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings consistently indicated that physical activity was associated with reductions in burnout, improved psychological well-being, enhanced postural function, and markers of slowed biological aging among dental professionals. Interventions that combined exercise with ergonomic education, stress reduction techniques, and institutional support showed the greatest impact on professional sustainability. Conclusions: Physical activity, when embedded within broader workplace wellness frameworks, contributes meaningfully to the mental and physical resilience of dentists. Integrating movement, ergonomics, and psychosocial support into dental practice environments may serve as an effective strategy for safeguarding long-term workforce sustainability and public health outcomes.