Prevalence of ocular injuries, conjunctivitis and musculoskeletal disorder–related issues as occupational hazards among dental practitioners in the city of Salem: A randomized cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Similar to several other occupations, dentists are also stricken by bounteous occupational health hazards (OHHs) such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and ocular health–related issues. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diffusion of MSDs and ocular health–related issues among dental surgeons in Salem city, Tamil Nadu, India, according to age, sex, and number of practicing hours per week. Objectives: A survey was conducted to examine the rate of prevalence of these OHHs amidst the dental surgeons in Salem city. Materials and Methods: The study was performed through a questionnaire amidst 150 dentists practicing in Salem City, Tamil Nadu, India. Dental surgeons were questioned about any occupational disorder that they had experienced related to a musculoskeletal pain and its location whether in the back, upper limbs, or lower limbs. In extension to this, dental surgeons were asked about any ocular injury that they had. Results: MSD showed higher rate of occurrence correlated to ocular health–related issues. Conclusion: The practice of protective measures is crucial, in perspective of the high rate of these disorders in the community of dental surgeons.

Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and associated conducted therapy approaches among dentists and dental assistants in Germany

“…The 12-month prevalence of MSDs in the hand varies between 25.0% and 49.7% [4,9,[11][12][13][18][19][20]. Other international studies report hand complaints ranging from 8.4% to 66.7% [8,14,15,[21][22][23][24]. Other research showed that 19.2% to 50.0% of dental students develop MSDs on the hand during their studies [25,26].…”

Factores asociados y tipos de lesiones oculares ocurridas en la práctica odontológica: revisión sistemática

“…Del mismo modo, Revankar et al . 33 determinaron que los cirujanos dentales con horarios de trabajo de 6-8 h/día fueron el 54,35%, mientras que el 22,46% realizó su trabajo durante 1-5 h/día, el 23,06% trabajó durante 9-12 h/día y solo el 1,05% trabajó 12 h/día. Igualmente, Azodo 34 informa que la incidencia de lesiones oculares se asoció con la edad, el uso de lentes de protección y los años de práctica.…”

“…Por ello, Lietz 39 recomienda el uso de sillón dental ergonómico con aumento, en comparación con sillones convencionales sin aumento, debido a que los primeros podrían soportar mejor la región lumbar y mantener la curvatura de la espalda baja. Revankar 33 , en su estudio, señala que el 94,68% de los odontólogos prefiere trabajar sentado y el 24,56%, la posición de pie.…”

“…Otros factores asociados son la exposición a riesgos laborales, biológicos y fuerzas mecánicas. Según Revankar 33 los riesgos para la salud ocupacional se dividen en biológicos (contacto con bioaerosoles infecciosos, sangre, saliva), físicos (quemaduras, lesiones, problemas auditivos, escaldaduras) y químicos (toxicidad, hipersensibilidad, alergias a materiales). En un estudio reciente, Azodo 34 menciona que los cirujanos dentales se encuentran fatigados por diferentes problemas ocupacionales de origen físico, biológico, químico e inclusive psicológico, lo que sitúa la práctica odontológica como un empleo estresante y peligroso.…”

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of teaching staff regarding occupational hazards and safety measures among MDS teaching staffs of dental colleges in India

“…Most of the injuries reported by dentists are usually of musculoskeletal in nature. 12 The stiffness of neck and bending of posture to enhance work efficacy can result into a lot of potential permanent risk changes. 13 With multiple treatment options, different chemicals being used and also constant contact with blood and oral tissues; the dental staff is always at a greater risk of nosocomial infections.…”