Self-reported occupational health problems among dentists in Himachal Pradesh, India: A descriptive survey

Vinay Kumar Bhardwaj; Rajeshwar Prasad Luthra; Deepak Sharma; Anil Chug; Manish Sahore; Aditya Sharma

doi:10.4103/2278-344X.115688

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Year : 2013 | Volume : 2 | Issue : 2 | Page : 115-121

Self-reported occupational health problems among dentists in Himachal Pradesh, India: A descriptive survey

Vinay Kumar Bhardwaj¹, Rajeshwar Prasad Luthra², Deepak Sharma³, Anil Chug⁴, Manish Sahore⁴, Aditya Sharma⁵
¹ Department of Public Health Dentistry, H.P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
² Department of Prosthodontics, H.P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
³ Department of Periodontology, H.P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
⁴ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, H.P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
⁵ Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shri Ram Neuro-Sciences Centre, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi, India

Correspondence Address:
Vinay Kumar Bhardwaj
Department of Public Health Dentistry, H.P. Government Dental College and Hospital, Shimla - 171 001, Himachal Pradesh
India

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None

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DOI: 10.4103/2278-344X.115688

Background: Occupation-related health problems are associated with risk or danger as a consequence of the nature of working conditions. Unique working conditions in dentistry can affect the health of dentists. Aim: The aim of this study is to collect information from dentists in Himachal Pradesh concerning common occupation-related health problems, their knowledge and the precautions they commonly took to avoid such problems. Settings and Design: Questionnaire survey conducted on a systematic random sample of 465 dentists among 1395 dentists registered in the state dental council. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were sent by mail in September 2011 to systematic random sample of 465 dentists. The dentists were asked to complete the questionnaire and return it by mail using the stamped addressed envelope provided. Statistically Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). Z test was used for statistical comparison. Results: The response rate from the dentists was 81.7%. The most common problem experienced was musculoskeletal pain (46.1%) followed by allergic dermatitis of the hands (7.6%). Nearly, all of the respondent dentists wore gloves (100%) and face masks (97.4%) during work. 1/10 ^th respondents reported that they had received instructions or training through interactive workshops in occupational health and safety. Conclusions: There seems to be a substantial demand for continuing education on occupational health and safety among dentists in Himachal Pradesh. Hence, more emphasis on occupational health and safety is put into dental training with more continuing education activities on occupational health and safety to practicing dentists.

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