Perception of Noise Generated in Dental Offices as an Occupational Hazard -A Questionnaire Based Study. Review Article

Abstract

Background: World Health Organization stated that “noise must be recognized as a major threat to human well-being.” The operating tools commonly used in dental clinics such as airotor, micro motor, sonic and ultrasonic scalers, compressor, suction generate potential noise which has hazardous effects on the dentist, dental assistants/technicians and also patients,  resulting in both auditory and non-auditory effects.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and Awareness of Noise Pollution Generated in Dental Care Facilities among Clinicians using a structured questionnaire in-order to sensitize the dental fraternity on the importance of preventing occupational hazards.

Materials and Methods: Informed Consent was obtained from 100 voluntary dental professionals and information regarding their knowledge and awareness towards noise pollution in dental clinics was obtained by a self-made structured questionnaire comprising 22 questions. The Data was compiled and analysed with SPSS 22 software. 

Results: The study population consisted of  31  male and 69   female dentists, out of which 85%  perceived noise in dental operatory as an occupational hazard in terms of annoyance factors like tinnitus, difficulty in focussing and headache. Only 57.1% of the subjects were aware of the Maximum permissible levels of noise in a dental set up. Around 74.3% of the subjects have taken measures for noise reduction in practice, most common among them is placing compressors outside the clinic (28%).

Conclusion: In the era of digitalisation, we face numerous consequences in our workplace due to noise. This study has thrown insights on the general awareness levels of Noise induced Occupational Hazard among dentists which is not very satisfactory, and thus necessary steps need to be followed to combat such factors which may have long term effects like Tinnitus, Headache. Dentists at the least must avoid other noise producing hazardous activities and switch to noise free environments as much as possible.