ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISKS FOR DENTISTS

Abstract

Dentists can be classified as a group of specialists with a high level of occupational health risks, since their work is characterized by the presence of various harmful factors. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a decline in the quality of life, an increased level of emotional burnout and non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions among medical staff, as well as increased anxiety associated with uncertainty about the effectiveness of personal protective equipment and the level of risk of infection from colleagues and asymptomatic patients. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to assess the individual occupational health risks of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic on the basis of the Republican Dental Clinic of the Udmurt Republic. Materials and research methods. Monitoring was carried out to ensure optimal working conditions for 31 dentists using a survey and assessment of their psychological status using psychodiagnostic tools (method “Diagnostics of the level of emotional burnout” by V.V. Boyko). Research results. An increased level of emotional burnout was revealed in the form of the formation of a stress phase, a high level of anxiety, as well as non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions for dentists in the analyzed sample. In connection with the results obtained, we consider it necessary to carry out a number of measures to optimize the working conditions of dentists, as well as increase their psychological stability and reduce anxiety. Conclusions. An increased level of emotional burnout and non-compliance with the rules for ensuring optimal working conditions for dentists in the analyzed sample were revealed. Recommendations are given on possible directions for correcting the identified shortcomings.