Evaluation of Noise Levels in a University Dental Clinic

Abstract

Noise levels in a dental office can be produced by different specialty instruments. Exposure to high levels of noise (unwanted sounds) may cause auditory and non-auditory health problems in dentists. The aim of this study was to (a) measure the noise levels within different clinics and laboratories of the Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, (b) promote information sharing on this serious health issue among stakeholders, and (c) collect data to organize preventive measures for students and personnel (faculty members, collaborators, administrative, and technical staff). Since the study did not apply to acoustics and acoustic measurements, a digital sound level meter and noise-integrating dosimeters with an analogue electronic transducer were used to collect data from certain postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) clinics and laboratories (LAB) during peak working periods and with a duration of 1 h per clinic/lab. Both personal (dosimeters) and static (area monitoring) noise exposure assessments were evaluated, resulting in various teaching-related activities in dental clinics. At all locations, the maximum exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) was not exceeded. However, chairside personal measurements during ultrasonic work revealed that the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) was exceeded. PG clinics were noisier than UG. LAB training settings, even with the new equipment, were close to the upper exposure limit due to the simultaneous use of airotors. In this context, targeted research and investigations into measures are proposed to safeguard the health and safety of students during their duties at the dental school.

Patients’ Perceptions of Sound and Noise Dimensions in the Dental Clinic Soundscape

“…The present study provides a comprehensive overview of dental patients' estimations of noise levels and sound disturbances in private and public dental clinics. The importance of controlling noise in healthcare settings, particularly within dental clinics, has already been discussed in relevant studies [1,5,8,[40][41][42]. In the study we conducted in 2023, where we measured the noise levels using digital sound level meters and noise-integrating dosimeters equipped with analog electronic transducers, data were collected from specific postgraduate and undergraduate clinics and laboratories during peak operational hours.…”

“…Otherwise, the characteristics of the private dental settings were similar concerning the number of personnel in each subgroup, the number of units and dimensions of waiting rooms and secondary visiting areas), the mean time of waiting period between appointments, and setting of the reception area. A view of the main clinical university setting used to assess patients' response to noise is seen in Figure 1 and is also described elsewhere [8]. Further, in conducting the research on human participants to explore their preferences regarding sound and noise factors in the dental office, this study took No 569/2-2-2023 approval from the ethics committee of the Department of Dentistry as part of a bigger protocol studying sound issues in the university clinics [8].…”

“…Stringent measures were implemented to safeguard the sensitive data collected through the questionnaires, ensuring that participants' identities and responses remained confidential, as described in Appendix A. Further, in conducting the research on human participants to explore their preferences regarding sound and noise factors in the dental office, this study took No 569/2-2-2023 approval from the ethics committee of the Department of Dentistry as part of a bigger protocol studying sound issues in the university clinics [8]. Then, we obtained informed consent from all participants, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this study's objectives and potential implications.…”

“…These questions had multiple-choice answers. Questions Q8.1-Q8.5 addressed patients' potential discomfort regarding the crowded environment in the clinic as well as concerns about noise generated by various dental equipment such as suction devices, dental handpieces, and the ultrasonic scaler [2,8,36]. This question required answers in terms of a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 = "never (does not apply)", 2 = "Rarely (applies to a small extent)", 3 = "Sometimes (applies and does not apply)", 4 = "Often (applies to a large extent)", and 5 = "Always (always applies)".…”

“…The second group incorporates sounds from within the dental clinic, including interactions between staff and patients, the operation of computers and printers, background music, and television, as well as external sources like traffic and ongoing roadwork sounds [6,7]. According to the National Research and Safety Institute, new dental equipment typically generates noise levels that remain below 85 dB(A) [8], while sound emitted overall within a dental facility falls overall below 80 dB(A), thus falling within the acceptable thresholds established by the World Health Organization [5,8]. If these limits are exceeded, or the noise is present for a long time during a patient's stay in the dental office, then the sound has a negative effect on the patient's psychology [6].…”