occupational hazards, dentistry, radiation hazards, physical and chemical hazards

1. Occupational
hazards in
dentistry
Lecture 16
Dr. noorah murad
DDS BDS

2. OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD
Defined as a risk to a person usually arising
out of employment
In dentistry : close contact with the patients,
with their saliva and blood exposes the dentist
to occupational biohazards, mainly of
contagious kind

3. Major occupational hazards
are:
1. Biological health hazards
2. Physical hazards
3. Chemical hazards
4. Musculoskeletal disorders and diseases
of peripheral nerves system
5. Hearing loss
6. Radiation exposure
7. Stress
8. Other risks

4. Biological health hazards
 These hazards are constituted by infectious agents of human origin which
include:
1. Prions
2. Viruses
3. Bacteria
4. Fungi
 All members of dental team are at risk.
 Must common and serious infections are hepatitis and HIV, and other
communicable infections
 They transmitted through body fluids, saliva and blood.

5. directly indirectly
A dentist can be infected
either
 Microorganism can pass
through:
1. A cut on the skin of his or
her hand while
examination
2. Accidental bite by the pt.
during a dental
procedure
3. A needle wound during
an anesthetic procedure.
 Sources include:
1. Aerosols of saliva
2. Gingival fluids
3. Natural organic dust
particles (dental caries
tissue)
4. Breathing free from
dental instruments and
devices

6. Physical hazards
Both dentist and clinic staff are at risk, sources are:
1. Debris from oral cavity striking the eye
2. Cuts from sharp instruments
3. Puncture wound from needles or other sharp instruments
4. Percutaneous exposure incidence (PEI)
PEI: is a term that includes needles stick and sharp
injuries, as well as cutaneous and mucous exposure to the
blood.
Most common from needles and burs.

7. Eye injuries may occur from:
1. Projectiles: bits of calculus during scaling
2. Splatters: from body fluids while using hand
pieces.
3. Curing light: users should be advised to wear
protective eyewear

8. Chemical hazards
Many of these chemicals are among those
health effects may not be known and takes years
to manifest, hazardous chemical agents used in
dentistry include
1. Mercury
2. Powdered natural rubber latex
3. disinfectants

10. mercury
Continuous occupational exposure of dental
practitioner to mercurial vapor which can be
absorbed via the skin and the lungs.
Dentist should:
1. conduct a regular mercury vapor level
assessments
2. Receive episodic individual amalgam blood level
test
3. Use goggles, water spray, and suction during the
removal of old amalgam restorations.

12. Latex hypersensitivity
 Gloves and masks form an integral part of dentist’s protective
equipment.
 They form an efficient barrier against most pathogens and
viruses, however, they may also be a source of allergies,
primarily in those persons who use rubber products on regular
basis
 Continuous using of NRL gloves and disinfectants has
predispose clinical dental worker to hand dermatitis, contact
dermatitis, contact urticaria, and allergic dermatitis.

13. Musculoskeletal and peripheral
nervous system disorders
the strained posture of the dentist while standing
and sitting close to the patient cause over stress of
spine and limbs
Overstress negatively affects the musculoskeletal
system and peripheral nervous system
The most common injuries reported by the dental
hygienist

15. Radiation exposure
The effect of even low levels of exposure to
ionizing radiation over a period of time may
accumulate and could represent a potential
hazard to health
Dental staff protect themselves during exposure
by:
1. Standing behind protective barrier
2. Use of radiation monitoring badges
3. Regular equipment checks and maintenance
4. Use of safety shields and glasses

17. Prevention of occupational
hazards
 Guidelines, precautions, and protocols are rapidly instituted for each new
technology and materials developed.
1. Education: educate the workers to understand any possible negative
health implications of their jobs and how to minimize them.
2. Infection control: using barrier techniques include gloves, masks,
protective eyewear, high power suction, good ventilation.
3. Using Hypoallergenic non latex gloves decline latex allergy
4. Prevent radiation hazard: lead aprons, periodic maintenance of the x
ray machine and radiation level sensor
5. Prevent musculoskeletal disorders:
1. Identify symptoms as soon as they appear
2. Modify working positions to achieve optimal body posture

18. Thank you