IJCRR - 7(24), December, 2015
Pages: 30-38
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG PRACTICING DENTISTS IN CHENNAI- A SURVEY REPORT
Author: Kalpana Gokul, Abirami, BalaSundaram
Category: Healthcare
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Abstract:
Aims: This paper reports the survey results of the prevalence of occupational hazards among the practicing dentists in Chennai.
Settings and Design: A Descriptive Epidemiological study.
Methods and Material: A survey was conducted by using a self-administered questionnaire from two hundred and fifty practicing dental surgeons. Only practicing dentists were included in the study and non practitioners were excluded.
Statistical analysis used: The statistical analyses were performed with use of SPSS version 20.0 package. Results were considered significant for “p” values of ?0.05.
Results: Among all the occupational hazards experienced, lower back pain was the highest (57%), followed by neck pain (52.8%), head ache (38.4%) and frequent respiratory illness (22.4%). Among the preventive measures practiced, least employed were regular physical exercises (40.8%), engaging in sports activity (20%) and use of simple or compound loupes (20.4%). Among all the infection control protocols, least followed one was wearing protective eye goggles (67.6%).
Conclusions: There was high level of awareness of exposure to occupational hazards among the dental surgeons. However, the practical steps to prevent them were not followed and hence, needs to be reinforced. Lower back pain was the highest hazard experienced. Increased awareness must be created about complications of musculoskeletal deformities. Its prevention by regular physical exercise should be emphasized and the importance of regular monitoring of muscle health through EMG analysis could give an early insight into the muscle fatigue leading to musculoskeletal deformities.
Keywords: Occupational hazards, Dentistry, Musculoskeletal deformities
Citation:
Kalpana Gokul, Abirami, BalaSundaram. OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG PRACTICING DENTISTS IN CHENNAI- A SURVEY REPORT International Journal of Current Research and Review. 7(24), December, 30-38
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