HAZARDS IN DENTISTRY - A REVIEW

Abstract

The comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach of occupational health has the aim of protecting and promoting worker’s health. Workers live productive lives when they have assurance of their physical, social and mental wellbeing. The profession of dentistry has many occupational hazards. Different risks associated with dental medicine and dental surgery includes biological, chemical, physical, biomechanical and psychological factors. Biological risk factors may include viruses, bacteria, prions and fungi, which may cause various infections ranging from less harmful to life threatening. Health affecting chemical factors includes dental materials, medicines and disinfectants, which can cause allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, skin diseases, burns and injuries. Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, noise, artificial lighting and dental filling curing lights are some of the physical hazards in dentistry that threaten workers lives and can cause sight and hearing problems along with other disorders. Improper posture during work, repetitive movements, prolonged mechanical straining, vibrations, etc. are some biomechanical factors, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, disorders of the neurological system and other health problems etc. In order to reduce such occupational perils, it is necessary to create awareness among dental workers through different awareness programs including seminars, workshops etc.