Prevention of Occupational Hazards in the Dental Profession
Introduction:
The awareness of occupational hazards can be traced back to the 18thcentury when Bernadino Ramazzini, also known as “The Father of Occupational Medicine”, recognized the dynamics of health and disease in relation to occupation (Gambhir et al, 2011). Awareness of occupational hazards among dental professionals as well as practicing preventative strategies can provide a balance between maximum benefit and minimum harm to health and well being (Mohammed et al, 2013).
Occupational hazards are a risk factor in almost any profession, more in some than others. The dental profession is a somewhat low risk profession concerning exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards, and can be kept to a minimum if individuals adapt to their working environment and follow preventative strategies and procedures in practice (Samaranayake , 2001).
Occupational hazards can be defined as “danger to health, limb, or life that is inherent in, or is associated with, a particular occupation, industry, or work environment. Occupational hazards include risk of accident and of contracting occupational diseases” (Business Dictionary, 2014). This assignment in particular will be discussing prevention of these occupational hazards in the dental profession, integrated with infection control practices. Preventing these potential occupational hazards, mostly physical and biological, can include many factors including preventative strategies such as engineering, administrative and PPE (personal protection equipment) structures and protocols (Government of Alberta, 2011).
Prevalence of occupational health problems in dentistry
It has been found that injury from ”sharps” is the most common occupational hazard in the field of dentistry, and it is a major concern due to the possible transmission of infectious agents such as HIV and HCV where there is currently no immunization available. Stress due to profession is second on the list, mostly related to working hours, job
The awareness of occupational hazards can be traced back to the 18thcentury when Bernadino Ramazzini, also known as “The Father of Occupational Medicine”, recognized the dynamics of health and disease in relation to occupation (Gambhir et al, 2011). Awareness of occupational hazards among dental professionals as well as practicing preventative strategies can provide a balance between maximum benefit and minimum harm to health and well being (Mohammed et al, 2013).
Occupational hazards are a risk factor in almost any profession, more in some than others. The dental profession is a somewhat low risk profession concerning exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards, and can be kept to a minimum if individuals adapt to their working environment and follow preventative strategies and procedures in practice (Samaranayake , 2001).
Occupational hazards can be defined as “danger to health, limb, or life that is inherent in, or is associated with, a particular occupation, industry, or work environment. Occupational hazards include risk of accident and of contracting occupational diseases” (Business Dictionary, 2014). This assignment in particular will be discussing prevention of these occupational hazards in the dental profession, integrated with infection control practices. Preventing these potential occupational hazards, mostly physical and biological, can include many factors including preventative strategies such as engineering, administrative and PPE (personal protection equipment) structures and protocols (Government of Alberta, 2011).
Prevalence of occupational health problems in dentistry
It has been found that injury from ”sharps” is the most common occupational hazard in the field of dentistry, and it is a major concern due to the possible transmission of infectious agents such as HIV and HCV where there is currently no immunization available. Stress due to profession is second on the list, mostly related to working hours, job
References: Chin, J, 2000, Control of Communicable Disease Manual, 17th edition. Washington, D.C., American Public Health Association, 491-494 Clappison R.A, 2000, Infection control: Preprocedural mouthrinses, oral health group. "occupational hazard" businessdictionary.com. 2014. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/occupationalhazard. html#ixzz2sjeYjA2I (8 February 2014). Occupational hazards in dentistry: Part 1, Samaranayake L.P, University of Hong Kong, FDI world 4ed, pgs 8-12, 2001 Quebbeman EJ, Telford GL, et blood contamination in the operating room. Arch Surg. 1992;127(2):213-216. Segen J.C, 2012, The Dictionary of Modern Medicine, farlex. United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidelines for infection control in Dental Health-care Settings-2003, MMWR, 52, 15, RR-17, 2003 Wesson, M.D