Occupational Hazards among Dental Surgeons

Evaluation of Occupational Variables Affecting Dentists Using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis

Objective: This study aimed to examine the occupational variables affecting dentists. The relationship between variables was discovered by the dendrogram, using hierarchical cluster analysis. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey that includes 124 dentists in İstanbul (mean age ± S; 34.21 ± 7.35 years; occupation year 11.05 ± 6.78 years; 73 married, 51 single; 61 men, 63 women). Some assessments (sleep, depression, anxiety, pain, functionality, physical activity, and quality of life) were applied to the participants. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Multivariate Statistical Methods was used to determine the clustering tendency of the variables and see how these clusters can converge. Results: Two main clusters were obtained by using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Main Cluster I contains two sub-clusters: Sub-Cluster I: Age, Occupation year, Stress, Neck disability index; Sub-Cluster II: Depression, Anxiety, Pittsburg, BMI, Oswestry disability index. Main Cluster II: Quality of life, Physical activity, Chronic disease, Smoking, Family situation, and Gender variables were obtained. Discussion and Conclusion: As a result of our research, it is seen that the relations between the variables in the clusters we obtained are related to the literature. In this sense, the visual results and clusters obtained with the dendrogram enabled the variables to be presented regularly and systematically. Hierarchical cluster analysis draws attention as a modern method in terms of evaluating the physical and psychosocial variables that occur in dentistry, an important profession for society.

Occupational Physical Hazards and Safety Practices at Dental Clinics

OBJECTIVE

 Worldwide, dentistry is known as a high-level occupational hazard profession. Dental staff is usually exposed to several types of hazards which include chemical agents, physical, psychological stress, and workplace violence, biological and ergonomics. The objectives of this paper were to assess levels of occupational hazards and evaluate safety practices at dental clinics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 At several dental clinics, levels of noise, lighting, and radiation were measured by recommended instruments and the safety practice was evaluated using a validated and reliable questionnaire (during 3 months of 2020).

RESULTS

 The mean levels of noise ranged between 46.3 and 67.2 dB, while the noise dose percent (noise exposure level) ranged between 60.7 and 77.6 dB. The mean levels of lighting ranged from 236.3 lux in the X-ray room to 1,080.3 lux in the dental laboratory. The mean levels of radiation ranged from 7.8 to 12.1 µrem. The mean levels of the three physical hazards were lower than their permissible levels at all locations.

CONCLUSION

 Levels of noise in dental clinic were affected by the change in the work activities, while this factor has no effect on the levels of lighting and radiation except for certain processes. The demographic variables such as gender, specialization, and the average number of patients showed a significant association with physical hazards, safety practices, while there was no significant association with radiation protection.

Assessment of occupational hazards among dentists practicing in Mumbai

Aim:

To assess the awareness of various occupational hazards experienced and the preventive measures undertaken by the dentists in and around Mumbai.

Methods:

The present study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire, which was circulated to 200 dentists practicing in and around Mumbai. The questionnaire also included questions on personal information like age, gender, position (student or faculty), years of experience, and number of working hours per day. Those who completed the questionnaire form completely and willing to participate were only included in the study. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results:

23.5% of the participants had the dental working experience more than 10 years and 28.5% dentists worked for ≥8 h. 69% were general practitioners and 40% of the participants treat nearly 10 to 20 patients per day. 45% of them experienced needle stick injury in clinical practice. 1.5% of dentists in our study admitted receiving some litigation from their patients.

Conclusion:

The present study indicated that occupational hazards, awareness about biological hazards, and preventive measures observed by dentists in Mumbai are generally consistent with published guidelines for infection control and also in accordance with the previous research. The majority of the dental practitioners were suffering from pain in the muscles of neck or back. Regular training and workshops can help lower such problems.

The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature

The study was conducted to report on the scope and prevalence of occupational health related-problems experienced by dentists, dental therapists, and oral hygienists in their practice of dentistry.

BACKGROUND

Professional practice and dental training have many risk factors, and the dental team should be able to recognize these factors to protect themselves. The prevalence of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, stress, percutaneous injuries, ears, and eyes are of concern. The dental team should also not forget hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV as risks in practice. Dental practitioners should protect themselves by self-recognizing risk factors and by maintaining proper working conditions.

METHODS

The study targeted all empirical research, case studies, and systematic literature reviews written in English. All articles selected were subjected to a data analysis process. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and reported in a comprehensive table.

RESULTS

The literature addressing occupational health among dental practitioners included mainly cross-sectional studies and review papers (2001-2016). Forty-nine studies were included in the review. Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most researched occupational health-related problems in dentistry. Eye protection compliance was low among practitioners. Percutaneous injuries especially among young dentists and students were still a concern.

CONCLUSION

Occupational health-related problems are still prevalent in current dentistry practice, despite changes in equipment and surgery design. The reported prevalence of occupational related-health problems and other findings of investigative studies highlight the need for continuous professional education and a need to improve clinical practice aspects of dentistry curricula.

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental students and dental practitioners in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

This study assessed the nature, prevalence, and risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) in dental clinics. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 515 dental students and dentists about nature of work and prevalence and frequency of MS symptoms. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to determine the association of MS with a number of important variables. Pain in the lower back (64%) and neck (60%) were the most prevalent MS. Working in the dental colleges' clinics was associated with increased risk of MS (adjusted OR 2.30, 95% CI [1.27, 4.18]). A stronger association was observed for dentists working in the private clinics (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI [1.28, 5.17]). Female dentists were at more risk of MS than male participants (OR 1.63, 95% CI [1.02, 2.59]). The higher risk of reported MS symptoms in women and for those working in the dental colleges and private clinics underscores the importance of recognition and prevention of MS symptoms even early in the dental profession.

Self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists in Saudi Arabia

Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in the dental practice. This cross-sectional study assessed the nature and prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MS) and their associated risk factors among dentists in three types of clinics in Riyadh. A structured, self-administered questionnaire about demographic characteristics, nature of work, and prevalence and frequency of MS was completed by 274 male and 241 female dentists. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to determine the association of MS with a number of important variables. Pain in the lower back (64%) and neck (60%) were the most prevalent MS. Working in the dental colleges' clinics was associated with increased risk of MS (adjusted OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.27-4.18). A stronger association was observed for dentists working in the private clinics (adjusted OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.28-5.17) compared to government clinics. Female dentists were at more risk of MS than the male dentists (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.02-2.59). The OR of MS for dentists treating more than 10 patients/d was 1.53 (95%CI 0.83-2.81). The higher risk of reported MS in females and for those working in the dental colleges and private clinics underscores the importance of recognition and prevention of MS even early in the dental profession.

Noise levels, noise annoyance, and hearing-related problems in a dental college

Through a cross-sectional survey and integrated sound level meter, this research examined noise exposure and auditory- and nonauditory-related problems experienced by students of a dentistry college located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A structured interview questionnaire was used to examine hearing-related problems, noise annoyance, and awareness of 114 students toward noise. The results showed that maximum noise levels were between 65 and 79 dB(A) with peak levels (high and low frequencies) ranging between 89 and 93 dB(A). Around 80% of the students experienced a certain degree of noise annoyance; 54% reported one of the hearing-related problems; and about 10% claimed to have hearing loss to a certain extent. It is recommended that sound-absorbent materials be used during the construction of dental clinics and laboratories to reduce the noise levels.

Awareness About Needle Stick Injures and Sharps Disposal: A Study Conducted at Army College of Dental Sciences

BACKGROUND

The present study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude about needle stick injuries and sharps disposal.

METHODS

A self designed questionnaire of 15 questions was handed out to 200 participants including undergraduate students (group 1), postgraduate students (group 2), faculty members (group 3) and auxiliary staff members (group 4). The data was collected and analyzed using Chi square test.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent of total participants reported of experiencing needle stick injury and 25.5 % knew that there could be several causes for this. Only 22 % of total population studied got the source tested. Immunization status of group 4 was very low and they also lacked the knowledge of sharps disposal and hepatitis C being spread by needle stick injuries. 57 % participants confirmed that there was no reporting facility and 66 % were not familiar with the guidelines of reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a definite scope of improvement in terms of reporting and prevention of needle stick injuries. There is a need to improve knowledge and awareness of dental health care workers about the post exposure protocol.

Trace elements and oxidative stress levels in the blood of painters in Lagos, Nigeria: occupational survey and health concern

Adverse effects attributed to exposure to paints are currently a concern because of the continued widespread use of paint containing trace elements. Thus, occupational survey amongst painters in Lagos and determination of trace elements and oxidative stress parameters were carried out. Descriptive cross-sectional survey was done using a standardized questionnaire to obtain job safety-related information. Forty-eight percent of the painters were aware of hazards associated with painting and 52 % of these workers were aware of the necessary precautionary measures during painting. There were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between the levels of trace elements in the blood of painters and the control subjects. However, there was a significance increase (p ≤ 0.0001) in the level of malondialdehyde and a decrease (p ≤ 0.001) in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase of the painters compared to the control. An increase in oxidative stress parameters may not only be due to trace element concentrations, but also the painters' exposure to some petrochemical solvents during mixing of paints.

Occupational Hazards in Modern Dentistry

Dentists, as well as other dental personnel are constantly exposed to a number of specific occupational hazards. These cause the appearance of various ailments, specific to the profession, which develop and intensify with years. Despite numerous technical advances in recent years, many occupational health problems still persist in modern dentistry. These include percutaneous exposure incidents (PEI), exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, dental materials, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), dermatitis, respiratory disorders, eye injuries and psychological problems. PEI remains a particular concern, as there is an almost constant risk of exposure to serious infectious agents. Aside from biological hazards, dentists continue to suffer a high prevalence of MSD, especially of the back, neck and shoulders. Awareness regarding these occupational hazards and implementation of preventive strategies can provide a safe working environment for all the dental personnel. There is also a need for continuing dental education programs in dentistry so that dentists can update themselves with the latest and newer techniques and materials.

How to cite this article

Mohammed NS, Shaik MA. Occupational Hazards in Modern Dentistry. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2013;2(1):33-40.