Assessment of Various Dental Occupational Hazards and Safety Measures among Dentists of Odisha, India

AIM AND OBJECTIVE Dental professionals are more prone to get exposed to various occupational health problems. The aim is to assess various dental occupational hazards and safety measures among dentists of Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was conducted among 572 dental professionals of both genders. A self-administered questionnaire which comprises name, age, gender, number of years of experience, type of occupational hazard, awareness of occupational hazards, safety measures practiced, and working hours per week was given to dental professionals and the responses were recorded. RESULTS 545 (95.2%) dentists were responded out of 572 participants. Age group 20-40 years had 55 males and 24 females, 40-60 years had 154 males and 84 females, and >60 years had 116 males and 60 females. 220 dentists had 10-15 years of experience, 190 had 5-10 years, 60 had 20 years. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). The most common occupational hazard was musculoskeletal disorders seen in 480 (88%), stress in 273 (50%); maximum occupational hazard (52%) was noticed in dentists with <5 years of working experience; proper safety protocols adopted by dentists were the use of sterilized instruments 99%, gloves 98%, face mask 82%, vaccination against hepatitis 54%, head cap 51%, eyewear 12.6%, and proper waste disposal 7%. The difference was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The chances of occupational hazards are more common in dentists. The prevalence was higher among dentists with less than 5 years of experience. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Knowledge and awareness about occupational hazards can help prevent complications due to occupational hazards in dental practice.