OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS IN DENTISTRY AND ITS CONTROL MEASURES – A REVIEW
Mr. Raja.K*, Dr. Auxilia Hemamalini Tilak
ABSTRACT
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. In many cases they result in diseases and disease
complexes, some of which are regarded as occupational illnesses.
Relying on relevant literature, the present paper discusses occupational
hazards like stressful situations, latex hypersensitivity, allergic
reactions due to various dental materials, exposure to radiation
(ionizing and non-ionizing), percutaneous exposure incidents (PEI),
hazard due to nitrous oxide gas, as well as factors leading to the
musculoskeletal system diseases and diseases of the peripheral nervous
system. Awareness regarding these occupational hazards and
implementation of preventive strategies can provide a safe working environment for all the
dental personnel. There is also a need for continuing dental education programs in dentistry
so that dentists can update themselves with the latest and newer techniques and materials.
Keywords: Dental personnel, Hazards, Infectious Disease, Stress, Control measures
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