Related Experiment Videos
Occupational diseases in dentistry: Prevention
Carmen López-Carriches1, Ricardo Taheri2, Victoria Mateos-Moreno1
1Associate Professor. Department of Dental Clinic Specialties. School of DentistryComplutense University of Madrid. Spain.
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Dentists face significant occupational health risks, including infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological issues. Understanding and implementing preventive measures are crucial for safeguarding dental professionals
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Practice
- Public Health
Background:
- Dentists are exposed to infectious diseases (e.g., hepatitis, HIV), biological accidents, and chemical intoxication.
- Risk factors include musculoskeletal disorders from poor ergonomics, hearing and vision impairment from lighting and visual strain, and radiation exposure.
- Mental health issues such as stress, burnout, and depression are prevalent among dental professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze the occupational diseases dentists may develop.
- To propose a series of preventive measures to mitigate these risks.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted.
- Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library Plus, were utilized.
Main Results:
- Key occupational diseases identified include musculoskeletal problems, infectious diseases, visual and hearing impairments, and psychological disorders.
- Preventive strategies for these conditions were analyzed and are presented.
Conclusions:
- The practice of dentistry presents diverse occupational health risks.
- Awareness and proactive prevention are essential for the well-being of dental practitioners.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...