Estimation of prevalence of pneumoconiosis among Indian dental healthcare professionals - an analytical cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objectives. Pneumoconiosis is a concerning occupational health hazard in dentistry. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and its association with age, gender, type of dental profession and duration of exposure among dental healthcare professionals (DHCPs). Methods. The study enrolled 138 DHCPs from an Indian tertiary care dental teaching institution who underwent structured face-to-face interviews, clinical examination, spirometry and chest radiography interpreted using International Labour Organization (ILO) classification. Potential pneumoconiosis was defined based on occupational exposure, clinico-spirometric examination and radiological findings consistent with pneumoconiosis (ILO category ≥ 1/0). The χ² test was applied to examine association of demographic-occupational characteristics with clinical symptoms, spirometric findings, radiologic findings and pneumoconiosis occurrence. Results. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 3.6%, with 4.3% of subjects showing radiographic opacities. Spirometry results showed a restrictive pattern in 13.8% of participants. The frequency of potential pneumoconiosis based on clinical symptoms and radiological findings was significantly associated with age > 35 years (particularly among dental technicians) and duration of exposure > 20 years, respectively. Conclusions. Increased susceptibility of DHCPs, especially dental technicians, towards pneumoconiosis highlights the importance of adoption of stringent occupational health and safety precautions, and regular clinico-radiographic screening for timely detection of pneumoconiosis.