Occupational Hazards among Dentists: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to assess occupational hazards among the dental surgeons of Bellary city. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted using a self-administrated questionnaire. Results: Study showed 92.4% (n=61) dentists faced with physical hazards, 13.6% (n=9) chemical hazards, 63.6% (n=42) Biological, 78.7% (n=52) psychological hazards. None of the dentists faced any litigation problems. Dentists with clinical experience less than 5 years had greater prevalence of physical hazard (93.3%, n=14/15). Conclusion: The physical activities and body positions that predispose dentists to backaches. Continuing education programmes have to be conducted to overcome these hazards.