Occupational Hazards in Modern Dentistry: A Review

Dental personnel are constantly exposed to a number of specific occupational hazards. These cause the appearance of various disorders, specific to the profession, which develop and intensify with years. Being unaware of the potential hazards in the work environment makes them more vulnerable to injury. Based on relevant literature, the present paper discusses various occupational hazards like biological health hazards, stresses, latex hypersensitivity, exposure to radiation (ionizing and non-ionizing), occupational respiratory hypersensitivity, as well as factors leading to the musculoskeletal system diseases. It is therefore important that all the dental personnel remain constantly informed regarding occupational hazards and implementation of preventive strategies to provide a safe working environment. International Journal of Medicine www.advancejournals.org 2 Advance Journals| advancejournals.org or disease at work place. The history of occupational hazard awareness can be traced back to the 18th century when Bernadino Ramazzini, who is referred to as the ‘Father of Occupational Medicine, recognized the role of occupation in the dynamics of health and diseases [2]. In carrying out their professional work, Dental personnel are exposed to a number of occupational hazards like stress, allergic reactions, higher noise levels, percutaneous exposure incidents, radiation, musculoskeletal disorders, legal hazards etc. These cause the appearance of various ailments specific to the profession, which develop and intensify with years. In many cases they result in diseases and disease complexes, some of which are regarded as occupational illnesses [3]. Studies have shown that dentists report more frequent and worse health problems than other high risk medical professionals [4].This is in consonance to other studies where occupational hazards such as interactions with patients, stress, physical strain and economic pressure negatively related to psychological well being of dental professionals [59].The current paper reviews various studies relating to occupational health hazards in dentistry.