Study on the Prevalence, Awareness, Preventive Measures of Occupational Hazards Among Dental Students

Abstract

Introduction: Dental professionals face unique challenges, including stress, exposure to hazardous substances, and potential infections. Understanding these hazards is crucial for enhancing safety measures in dental education. Aim: This study explores occupational hazards among dental students, emphasizing psychological, physical, chemical, and biological risks. Materials and methods: conducted at a private dental college in Chennai, the cross-sectional study involved 109 dental students. A structured questionnaire, approved by the institutional review board, collected data on demographics, occupational hazards, and safety practices, statistical analysis employed vassarstats and pspp. Results: participants (82.6% female, mean age 22.4) identified psychological hazards (46.8%) and inadequate lighting (44%) as common concerns. Mercury toxicity (44%) and aerosol infection (40.4%) were notable chemical and biological hazards. Conclusion: the study illuminates diverse occupational hazards in dental education, advocating for targeted interventions to address psychological stressors, enhance preventive measures, and promote awareness, fostering safer learning environments for dental students.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

Dentistry is a noble profession dedicated to oral health, but it comes with its share of occupational hazards. Occupational hazards are risks or dangers that arise as a result of the nature or working conditions of a specific employment[1]  dentists are exposed to a variety of occupational dangers while doing their professional duties including: working long hours with a high level of focus,  working in a sedentary manner, working with nervous patients,  exposure to microbial aerosols produced by high-speed rotating hand pieces, exposure to various chemicals used in professional dental practise, and other risks.  These hazards can pose serious risks to dental practitioners [2]. These trigger the emergence of various kinds of occupational disorders, which grow and worsen with time. In many situations, they cause diseases and disease complexes, some of which are classified as occupational illnesses [3]. 

Musculoskeletal injuries are the most commonly reported and experienced by dental professionals [4]. this occupation requires the clinical dentistry practitioner to work in identical position and posture for long periods of time, resulting in neck stiffness or neck soreness, wrist ache, and lower backache [5]. furthermore, because they come into direct or indirect touch with surgical tissues, blood, and saliva on a daily basis, the dental staff and auxiliary personnel are at risk of infection [6][7]. needleprick injuries or wounds from sharp objects and equipment (percutaneous injuries) have been reported to occur in about 1%-15% of surgical procedures, with suturing being the most common cause [8]. Eye injuries may occur as a result of protruding small fragments of calculus or splatter from body fluids during scaling or polishing treatments, as well as while utilising high-speed handpieces. The penetrating dental curing light is another possible source of eye damage [9][10]. according to prior study, transitory exposure to irritants linked with volatiles from resin-based products, x-ray chemicals, and cleansers may produce certain reactions in the eyes and upper respiratory system. Other strong disinfectants that may irritate or injure the eyes and upper airway include procaine, eugenol, iodine, formalin, phenol, and others [11].

This survey article provides an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted risks that dental professionals encounter in their daily practice. From exposure to infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis to ergonomic challenges leading to musculoskeletal disorders, this article explores the gamut of hazards affecting dental practitioners. We also examine the measures and protocols in place to minimise these risks, such as infection control procedures, ergonomic improvements, and the use of personal protective equipment. By shedding light on these occupational hazards and their management, this survey aims to raise awareness and promote a safer working environment for dentists and their support staff. The findings from this survey will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by dental students in their workplace. It will help dental associations, healthcare organisations, and policymakers implement targeted measures to reduce occupational hazards, enhance the well-being of dental practitioners, and improve patient care. 

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional research design to evaluate occupational hazards in the workplace of dental students. The research, titled "how safe is your workplace? Exploring occupational hazards survey among dental students," was conducted at a private dental college in Chennai, involving participants from different academic years. A structured questionnaire was devised to collect information on occupational hazards in dentistry, safety measures, and demographic details of the participants. Ethical clearance for the research was obtained from the institutional review board (irb), and all participants provided informed consent, signifying their voluntary participation in the study. Throughout the research, strict measures were implemented to maintain participant anonymity and ensure the confidentiality of collected data, with no personally identifiable information recorded. The questionnaire was distributed via google forms across various social media platforms to gather responses. A total of 109 dental students actively took part in the study. The data collected from the questionnaires were transferred to excel and subsequently analyzed using vassarstats and pspp for statistical purposes.

A. Statistical Analysis

The data obtained through google forms were transferred into excel format and its analysis was done using vassarstats and pspp. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were calculated for all the responses given by the participants. Statistical significance was assessed using pearson’s chi-square test. The statistical significance in the present study was kept at p<0.05.

III. RESULTS

A total of 109 dental students actively engaged in this survey, with 82.6% being females and 17.4% males. The mean age of participants was 22.4 years old. The distribution of participants included 45.9% interns [CRRI], 21.1% postgraduate students, 21.1% 3rd-year undergraduate students, and 11.9% 4th-year undergraduate students. Regarding occupational hazards, 46.8% identified psychological hazards as the most common, with 47.7% specifically citing stress as a prevalent psychological hazard in dentistry. Of those experiencing psychological hazards, 56% attributed it to factors related to patients, practice, and finances. To cope with these challenges, 50.5% mentioned spending time with family and friends as a means of overcoming psychological stress. In terms of physical hazards, 44% reported inadequate light or exposure to bright light as a common issue. Interestingly, 57.8% had not experienced musculoskeletal or peripheral nervous disorders, while 53.2% had encountered back pain syndrome. Preventive measures included appropriate chair and patient positioning (53.2%) and four-hand dentistry (25.7%). The preferred position for treating patients was sitting, according to 59.6% of respondents. Concerning chemical hazards, 44% perceived mercury toxicity as the most common in dentistry, though 67% stated they did not regularly come into contact with mercury. Biological hazards, particularly aerosol infection, were identified by 40.4% as prevalent in clinical practice, with 37.6% reporting needle prick injuries while recapping needles. Preventive measures included the use of gloves (41.3%), and a majority (86.2%) had received hepatitis vaccination, with 33% having been vaccinated six months prior. Awareness of noise-induced hearing loss in dentistry was noted by 62.4% of participants, with 34.9% identifying aerotar noise as the most common noise hazard, followed by suction (28.4%), Micromotor, and trimming machine. Concerning eye infections or injuries, 34.9% attributed them to calculus splattering. In managing needle stick injuries, 54.1% washed under running water without applying pressure. Finally, 48.6% of participants had attended workshops on occupational hazards.

IV. DISCUSSION

Recently, a very few studies have been conducted on dental students globally to evaluate their awareness and understanding of potential hazards at work. We were interested in hearing the dental students in tamilnadu’s answer. It is common knowledge that a sound body and mind can function well on their own. Therefore, maintaining the health of the dentists is crucial to the success of the dental practise. Even if there have been recent technological advancements in other sectors, occupational health hazards are still a persistent problem in dentistry.  The primary aim of this study is to explores occupational hazards among dental students, emphasizing psychological, physical, chemical, and biological risks. A structured questionnaire, approved by the institutional review board, collected data on demographics, occupational hazards, and safety practices, statistical analysis employed vassarstats and pspp. From our study, participants (82.6% female, mean age 22.4) identified psychological hazards (46.8%) and inadequate lighting (44%) as common concerns. Mercury toxicity (44%) and aerosol infection (40.4%) were notable chemical and biological hazards.

 From present study, psychological hazards have surfaced as a notable concern, with almost half of the participants, 46.8% acknowledging them as the most prevalent hazards. Stress, as highlighted by 47.7%, underscores the significant impact of psychological challenges in dental education. A study conducted by Srinivasan Bhuvaneshwari et al. similarly found stress to be a significant psychological hazard, with a prevalence of 50%.[12] Additionally, another study by Mehta identified job-related stress as an occupational problem in 43.3% of cases [13].

This study sheds light on the contributing factors to psychological stress, revealing that 56% attribute it to issues related to patients, challenges within their practice, and financial concerns. Physical hazards, exemplified by issues like inadequate lighting, were experienced by 44% of participants in our study. In a study conducted by Reddy et al., a higher percentage, 92.4% of dentists, reported encountering physical hazards [14]. A majority of participants in our study (57.8%) had not experienced musculoskeletal or peripheral nervous disorders. This contrasts with findings from a study by Srinivasan Bhuvaneshwari et al., where 88% of participants faced musculoskeletal hazards [12]. In our study investigation, 53.2% of participants reported experiencing back pain syndrome. Rafie et al. explored posture factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, finding that improper work posture had a significant impact [15]. Chopra and Pandey also highlighted backache as a common hazard, emphasizing the importance of awareness about preventive measures [16]. This study recognized preventive strategies, such as appropriate chair and patient positioning and the implementation of four-hand dentistry, as effective measures to alleviate physical hazards. These findings align with the broader literature emphasizing the significance of ergonomic practices in dentistry to mitigate the risk of physical ailments among dental professionals. This current investigation delves into chemical hazards, with 44% of participants identifying mercury toxicity as a prevalent concern, even though 67% indicated limited regular contact with mercury. But the study conducted by RZ Adam et al., where Most dentists, about 62% reported almost never using dental amalgam and an almost equal number, 63% repaired defective amalgam restorations [17]. Biological hazards, specifically aerosol infection, were acknowledged by 40.4% of participants, and 37.6% reported needleprick injuries while recapping needles. In a study conducted by Semra Eyi, needle stick injuries were reported at a prevalence of 27.8% [18]. These findings underscore the significance of addressing chemical and biological hazards in dental practice to safeguard the well-being of dental professionals and mitigate potential health risks associated with exposure to substances like mercury. Demonstrating a proactive safety approach, 86.2% of participants in our study had received hepatitis vaccination. This aligns with a study by Srinivasan Bhuvaneshwari et al [12]. where 82% of participants were vaccinated against hepatitis. However, a study by Redhwan A. Al-aslami found that 74% of participants were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, potentially reflecting differing attitudes among students about their risk of exposure [19]. It is emphasized that proper vaccination against Hepatitis B is desirable for all students due to the risk of body fluid-borne infection. Furthermore, this study revealed that 48.6% of participants had attended workshops on occupational hazards, underscoring the significance of educational initiatives in raising awareness and promoting safety. In contrast, the study by Redhwan A. Al-aslami reported that only 33% of participants had attended workshops or conferences on occupational hazards [19].

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the occupational hazards faced by dental students, offering a comprehensive perspective on their experiences. The findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological stressors, implementing preventive measures for physical challenges, and enhancing awareness and education on chemical and biological hazards. The results can serve as a basis for targeted interventions to establish safer learning environments for dental students and contribute to future research on occupational safety in dental education.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2023 Dr. K. V. Vijila, Dr. PriyaRamani, S K Vithiya, Yasmeen Banu , Yamini V, Vitharsana Mary S . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.