Occupational hazard in dentistry

Working towards the motto of providing quality dental treatment to patients, the dentist compromises on his /her health. Various factors in the dental clinic /dental practice poses health risks to the professionals. From material to working position, patient saliva to blood exposure, limited artificial light to the anaesthetic agents…all pose a risk to dentist’s health. The dentist is the victim of modern day emphasis on reduced and simplified motion, the value for this for dentist’s health is questionable. Often dentists adopt bizarre positions while treating patients and even though such technique cause minimal patient discomfort, they in turn are rewarded with muscle fatigue, lower backache, shoulder problem etc. Dental professionals are exposed to various occupational hazards ranging from physical, chemical, infectious, mechanical and social hazards. Thus, Occupational hazard can be defined as a risk to a person usually arising out of employment. It can also refer to a work, material, substance, process, or situation that predisposes, or itself causes accidents, or diseases, at a work place. As such risks cannot be engineered out completely out of the dental clinic, appropriate occupational health and safety measures need to be adopted and adhered to, by dental staff. It is also very important for dentists to know the best practices for risk identification and control of risks of injury and disease. Improving health and safety performance will be beneficial for workers in the dental sector, but also for any person who receives special treatment while at the same time reducing the economic and social costs.