Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate occupational risk among dental practitioners and its associated factors. Ma-terials and Methods. A total of 505 dentists and other dental staff from Korean dental institutions were includedin this study. A self-report questionnaire on demographic characteristics, perception and experience of occupa-tional hazards, the prevalence of chronic diseases, and type of musculoskeletal problems, were distributed to the participants. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors affecting the perception of occupational hazards. Results. Among the participants, 61.58% were dentists and 38.42% were dental staff (dental hygien-ists, dental technologists, and other office workers). Overall, 48.12% had a serious perception of occupationalhazards, and 77.53% had experienced occupational hazards. The common occupational hazards encounteredwere stress (20.58%), exposure to hazardous materials (15.44%), and cross-infections (14.75%). Regardless ofparticipants’ occupation and their perception of occupational hazards, musculoskeletal problems had the high-est prevalence (35.94%) (neck/shoulder pain [35.53%], lower back pain [24.74%], and wrist pain [19.07%]).Those with experience of occupational hazards and musculoskeletal problems were more likely to recognize occupational hazards (odds ratio 5.186 and 1.535, respectively; p<0.05). Conclusion. Approximately half of the dental workers were aware of the risk of occupational hazards. This study highlighted that the more the partici-pants experience occupational hazards, the more likely they are to recognize occupational hazards. The high prevalence of physical and mental occupational hazards indicates the need for preventive measures to reduce occupational risk in dental practices.
Source: 대한치과의사협회지
Authors: Jimin Sung, Hosung Shin, Bo-Ra Kim
Institutions: Wonkwang University, Namseoul University
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Award: G2502015883
OpenAlex ID: W4400515508