The aim of this analytical cross-sectional study was to evaluate the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) among dental students in two Brazilian dental schools. The sample included 227 randomized subjects from fifth to ninth semesters who were developing clinical activities. Each student signed an informed consent form. A self-reporting questionnaire was used to obtain data on the practice of physical exercise, the presence of pain during or soon after treating patients, and the adoption of preventive measures related to clinical activities. Results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 13.0. The chi(2) test was used to identify associations between variables. The presence of pain during or after clinical work was reported by 173 participants (76.2 percent). Statistically significant differences were found between gender and the occurrence of pain. Pain was present during clinical activities (p=0.006) and imposed limitations on the work routine (p=0.011). Among those who practiced physical exercise, eighty-eight (74.6 percent) reported pain. The high percentage of pain reported by dental students suggests the value of reviewing work conditions in dental practices in order to minimize the exposure of all workers to WMSD.