[Work related health risks among dentist's assistants in Flanders, Belgium]

The aim of this research project was to learn more about work-related health risks among dental assistants in Flanders, Belgium. Forty-seven dental assistants completed an extensive questionnaire concerning ionized radiation, protection against infection and exposure to chemicals such as mercury, disinfectants and acrylates. Collective and personal means of protection, musculoskeletal disorders and work-related stress were also evaluated. Pain in the lower back, neck pain and shoulder pain were reported by, respectively, 15%, 17% and 22% of the respondents. Eczema resulting from skin irritation or contact-allergy was reported by 13%. Twenty-three percent of the assistants did not consistently make use ofa radiation badge; 80% wore a mouth mask and 33% wore protective glasses; and 82% was vaccinated against hepatitis B. Almost 10% reported verbal or physical aggression by patients. The mean stress score was 3.95 on a scale from 0 to 10. The results may contribute to the formulation of a number of recommendations for the improvement of the health of dental assistants.