Assessment of noise levels during dental procedures in different pediatric dental settings
Indukuri Himendri1, Kaniti Saujanya, Bezawada Sushma
1Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Aim And Background:
Pediatric dentists face unique noise exposure risks, not only from equipment such as high-speed air-rotor handpieces, suction devices, and compressors but also from the vocalizations of anxious or uncooperative children. Chronic exposure to high-intensity noise can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss and other physiological or psychological stressors. This study aimed to assess and compare the noise levels encountered during various dental procedures in pediatric dental clinics configured as open and closed operatory settings.
Methods:
Noise was recorded using an A-weighted sound level meter (HTC SL-1352) positioned near the dentist's ear during procedures for children aged 3-10 years over 30 days (15 days each in open and closed clinics). Sample size was calculated using G*Power software (power = 95%, α = 0.05).
Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-tests to compare average and peak noise levels between groups.
Results:
Average noise levels were 70.77 dB (open) and 72.41 dB (closed), with peaks of 93.63 dB and 95.46 dB, respectively. Differences were not statistically significant (average: P = 0.374; peak: P = 0.730). Notably, a child crying produced peaks up to 120 dB, posing an immediate risk of hearing damage.
Conclusion:
Although differences between open and closed operatories were not statistically significant, both settings demonstrated noise levels exceeding safe exposure limits. This indicates that pediatric dentists face potential auditory risks regardless of operatory design, emphasizing the need for hearing conservation practices and periodic auditory assessments in pediatric dental clinics.
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