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.Modern dentistry has been described as probably among the least hazardous of all occupations', although additional issues associated with the exposure to new dental materials and infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus, may continue to challenge this status.

PAUSE

According to the latest study published in Industrial Health, it is crucial that dentists remain constantly informed regarding up-to-date measures on how to deal with newer technologies and dental materials.
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 (including bioaerosols), radiation, dental materials, and noise; musculoskeletal disorders; dermatitis and respiratory disorders; eye injuries; and psychological problems.
Percutaneous exposure incidents remain a particular concern, as there is an almost constant risk of exposure to serious infectious agents. Strategies to minimise percutaneous exposure incidents and their consequences should continue to be employed, including sound infection control practices, continuing education and hepatitis B immunisation.
As part of any infection control protocols, dentists should continue to utilise personal protective measures and appropriate sterilisation or other high-level disinfection techniques. Aside from biological hazards, dentists continue to suffer a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially in the back, neck and shoulders. To fully understand the nature of these problems, further studies are needed to identify causative factors and other correlates of musculoskeletal disorders. Continuing education and investigation of appropriate interventions to help reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and contact dermatitis are also needed. Therefore, it is important that dentists remain constantly informed regarding up-to-date measures on how to deal with newer technologies and dental materials.
Reference:
Occupational Health Problems in Modern Dentistry: A Review by Peter A. LEGGAT, et al. published in the Industrial Health
https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.45.611