Background <p>Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are commonly observed across various occupational groups.</p> Aim <p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between hand grip and pinch strength, body composition, pain threshold, and anxiety levels in dentists.</p> Methods <p>The study included 49 dentists working at Sakarya Oral and Dental Health Hospital. Participants’ grip strength, including pinch and gross grip, was assessed using the Jamar hand dynamometer, while the muscle strength of the forearm flexor and extensor muscles was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Anxiety levels were evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and pain threshold was assessed using an algometer.</p> Results <p>A positive and significant correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength (<i>r</i> = 0.485, <i>p</i> = 0.003; <i>r</i> = 0.501, <i>p</i> = 0.002). BMI also showed a strong relationship with dominant and non-dominant finger strength (<i>r</i> = 0.511, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; <i>r</i> = 0.557, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). A negative correlation was found between Beck Anxiety Score and physical strength parameters, especially non-dominant hand grip strength (<i>r</i> = 0.619, <i>p</i> = 0.005) and dominant hand grip strength (<i>r</i> =  − 0.512, <i>p</i> = 0.025) and anxiety levels. Significant positive correlations were found between pain threshold and physical strength parameters, especially non-dominant wrist extensor strength (<i>r</i> = 0.283, <i>p</i> = 0.049) and dominant hand grip strength (<i>r</i> = 0.408, <i>p</i> = 0.015) which were found to increase pain threshold.</p> Conclusions <p>Physical and psychological factors have an impact on occupational performance, especially in occupations that require prolonged use of the hands and wrists, such as dentistry.</p> Trial registration <p>This study is prospectively registered at NCT06721117 (<a href="http://clinicaltrials.gov">http://clinicaltrials.gov</a>).</p>