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Occupational health problems among dental hygienists
N Jacobsen1, A Hensten-Pettersen
1Dental Faculty, University of Oslo, Norway.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Dental hygienists report frequent work-related health issues, particularly skin conditions like dermatoses, often linked to chemical exposures and latex gloves. These health complaints are more common in hygienists than in control groups.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dental hygienists face unique occupational exposures.
- Work-related health complaints are a significant concern in healthcare professions.
- Understanding the etiology of these complaints is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and nature of work-related health complaints among Norwegian dental hygienists.
- To identify the chemical and occupational factors contributing to these health issues.
- To compare the health complaints of dental hygienists with control groups in other occupations.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 189 dental hygienists in Norway.
- Data on health complaints (dermal, systemic, sensory, respiratory) were collected over the past year.
- A control group of similar size, comprising female and male workers in other occupations, was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of dental hygienists reported experiencing one or more health problems in the last year.
- The most common complaint was hand and finger dermatoses (37%), frequently linked to chemical exposures.
- Latex gloves were identified as a cause for one-third of these dermatological reactions.
Conclusions:
- Dental hygienists experience a high prevalence of work-related health complaints, notably dermatoses.
- Chemical exposures and latex glove use are significant contributing factors to these occupational health issues.
- Further research into immunological and irritant reactions to latex is warranted.