Professional hazards in dentistry.

Dental
1

Dentistry involves exposure to multiple occupational hazards that can affect health and performance if precautions aren’t followed.

Main Hazards

  • Biological: Risk of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV from blood, saliva, or sharps injuries.
  • Chemical: Exposure to mercury from amalgam, anesthetic gases, disinfectants, and latex causing respiratory or skin issues.
  • Physical/Ergonomic: Poor posture and repetitive movements lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain.
  • Radiation: Repeated exposure to dental X-rays without shielding can harm tissues.
  • Noise: High-speed drills and suction devices may cause hearing loss.
  • Psychological: High workload, patient anxiety, and precision demands increase stress and burnout risk.

Prevention

Use infection control protocols, protective equipment (gloves, masks, eyewear), ergonomic adjustments, proper ventilation, and regular stress management practices.

MBH/AB

5 Likes
2

Oh, God!! First time I am hearing about this. Beware dental folks.

3

Very insightful.

4

Dentistry exposes professionals to biological, chemical, physical, radiational, noise, and psychological hazards that can impact their health and performance. Adhering to strict infection control, using protective gear, maintaining good ergonomics, ensuring proper ventilation, and managing stress effectively can minimize these risks.

5

Hepatitis B infection is a very known risk in dentistry. Especially since the close contact with affected patients. Oral sores like angular cheilitis may increase the risk during treatment.

All dental students are advised to take vaccination before they start the clinical postings because of it.

6

Yes, all of these hazards should be kept in mind while practicing dentistry. All dental practitioners should focus on vaccination and should prioritize their well-being to be able to serve patients for a longer time.

7

Occupational hazards are dangerous , yet an ignorant topic among clinicians. Continuous PPE kit usage , ergonomics training , vaccination ,integrating workload balance are the key.

8

Dentists are more prone to occupational hazards especially due to prolonged exposure to the oral environment. Various factors play a role, and ergonomics is one such factor that is often overlooked. Dentists who hunch their shoulders and neck while tending to their patients often develop serious health hazards, such as musculoskeletal disorders, which may even impair their day-to-day activities throughout their lives.