The Impact of Work Environment and the Risks of Occupational Exposures of a Dental Professional (original) (raw)

2015, International Journal of Exclusive Management Research

The multifaceted physical work environment of the dentist plays a quintessential role in the work life of the dentist. In spite of the numerous technological advancements in dentistry, occupational health threats are still prevailing in the physical work environment of the dentist. Immunization against the various infectious diseases, maintaining appropriate work postures, using adequate barrier techniques and high level sterilization, awareness of major signs and symptoms of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis during consultation, awareness and preventive strategies regarding the risks of blood borne infections must be promoted among the dental professionals. Exposure to serious infectious agents is a virtual risk and the dentist's hands can become contaminated by contact with the patient's mouth, saliva and gingival fluids. Most human pathogens can be obtained from the oral cavity and it has an environment which promotes bacterial growth. Health organizations have developed certain useful guidelines for hazard management by the use of personal protection and dentists should be aware of appropriate sterilization, other high-level disinfection utilities and individual protective measures like masks that must be changed in between patients to reduce the risk of the mask itself becoming a nidus of infection, head cap, gloves, operating gowns, over garments to protect the skin and the mucous membranes of the dental personnel from exposure to infections, care of hands by hand washing with surgical soap that contains antiseptics, and pre-procedural mouth rinsing with chlorhexidene by patient. This study is examining the different aspects that are going to affect the environment of the dentist in his work place like hygiene, x-ray machine and radiation safety, dental materials, bio-medical waste and the risks to occupational health due to exposures. This can lead to the development of safer and more effective work practices, which in turn makes the physical work environment a pleasant and safe dental office.