See the chapter on Occupational Medicine in this best selling book- First Indian Multi-authored -Peer reviewed Oral Medicine book having Indian Data. published by Jaypee Publishers , New Delhi.Careless Dental Practice is Dangerous
All occupations have risks associated with them. Dentistry is a health care profession which involves close proximity to patient oral cavity, bending and holding neck in awkward positions while viewing the upper teeth or palate,use of lasers (eyes) , use of mercury , use of an dental x ray unit without lead barrier, Not fulfilling the patients expectations(consumer protection problems), improper care of patients general health.
Infectious Diseases- Walk in patients in a dental clinic would be infected with TB, HIV , Hepatitis (all kinds) B variety is most worrisome. Using quality surgical masks, gloves and head cover specially for women reduces the risk of infection to acceptable levels . Use of 0-1-6 Hep-B vaccination schedule for dental students and 0-1-2-12 vaccination schedule for surgeons is mandatory with booster dose every 5 years.
Postural Problems - The faulty posture and the excessive patient load usually results in the cervical spondylosis, low back pain, tenderness in the knee joint, and the ankle joint due to the long times of standing in clinic. this is alleviated by the sit down dentistry, four handed dentistry and using proper erect posture.
Radiation Hygiene - Use of x ray machines in small un-planned clinic with no lead barriers can lead to dangerous levels of radiation exposure which may not cause somatic changes but the damage to sperm production and ovum is definitely a problem.
Mercury Poisoning - The silver amalgam filling still remains the choice for dental fillings, most clinics in district places and rural areas use hand squeezing methods for mulling the mercury. the excess may drop off on the floor and the fumes cause a lot inhalation risk. Hg has deleterious effect on nervous system and the kidney apart from being toxic generally .Silver amalgam fillings are safe for the patients as per contemporary references.
Stress is more in health care- Long years of training, lower than expected remunerations ,interpersonal problems with patients and colleagues makes personal life hell !! This may lead to Professional burnout and alcohol and tobacco abuse .
Consumer Protection Act - Any misunderstanding with patient regarding the treatment expectations and lack of proper dental treatment delivery will result in the patient wanting his money back or worse will drag u into the consumer court.
Dentist head not cvrd posture -http://www.flickr.com/photos/emrank/3657991589/sizes/s/in/photostream/
Dental Mercury Use Banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark Because Composites Are Adequate...
ReplyDeleteThu Jan 3, 2008 8:13am EST
Dental Mercury Use Banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark Because Composites Are
Adequate Replacements
OSLO, Norway, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Norway recently announced a ban
on the use of mercury, including dental amalgam, that took effect on January
1, 2008. Sweden announced a similar ban and dentists in Denmark will no
longer be allowed to use mercury in fillings after April 1, 2008.
"These bans clearly indicate that amalgam is no longer needed. There are
viable non-mercury filling substitutes that are used everyday in the US," said
Michael Bender, director of the Mercury Policy Project. "By eliminating
amalgam use, which is 50% mercury, we can reduce mercury pollution much more
efficiently than end-of-the-pipeline solutions."
In a prepared statement, Norwegian Minister of the Environment Erik Solheim
said that the reason for the ban is the risk that mercury from products may
constitute in the environment. "Mercury is among the most dangerous
environmental toxins. Satisfactory alternatives to mercury in products are
available, and it is therefore fitting to introduce a ban," said Solheim.
The Swedish amalgam ban is for both environmental and health issues, according
to authorities. Danish officials indicate that the reason for banning amalgam
is also because composites have become better, and may now be used in many
more situations than a few years ago.
Teeth will have to be mended with e.g. plastic or ceramics. Exceptions to use
amalgam may be granted for a certain period after the ban, if dentists apply
for it.
"Composite fillings have now become so strong that the Danish National Board
of Health says that we can expand the ban to also include amalgam fillings,"
said the (Danish) Minister of Health Jakob Axel Nielsen to "TV Avisen".
Authorities note that when the ban takes effect in Denmark in four months
time, the present subsidy for amalgam will be changed so that it will instead
cover dental fillings of composite material.
Since the health insurance stopped paying for amalgam restorations in Sweden
in 1999, the use has decreased markedly and is now estimated to be 2-5% of all
fillings.
More information:
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=667004
Norwegian Ministry of the Environment
Deputy Director General Anne Beate Tangen
Email: anne.beate.tangen@md.dep.no
Phone: +47 2224 6033
Fax: +47 2224 9563
Norwegian press release:
http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/md/Press-Centre/Press-releases/2007/Bans-mercury-in-products.html?id=495138
Prevention of Neck, Shoulder and Back Disorders
ReplyDeleteErgonomic recommendations for minimizing the risks of back injuries focus on improving working posture and equipment design. These include:
1) Change Posture - Alternate between sitting and standing to reduce postural fatigue and maximize postural variety, which helps to reduce static muscle fatigue.
2) Use Support - When sitting or standing, don’t lean forwards or stoop in an unsupported posture for prolonged periods. If you are sitting, sit up straight or recline slightly in a chair with good back support, and use a good footrest if necessary. If you are standing for prolonged periods try to find something to help you lean against.
3) Safe reaching - Avoid having to reach awkwardly to equipment and work close to the patient. Keep the items used most frequently within a distance of about 20 inches (50 cm). Use assistants to help move equipment into this zone.
4) Normal arm posture - Keep elbows and upper arms close to the body and don’t raise and tense the shoulders when working. Also, ensure that hand postures are not deviated because this could lead to wrist problems.
5) Use Comfortable Equipment - Use equipment that isn’t too heavy, that can be used without awkward upper body posture, and that feels comfortable to use. Ergonomically designed equipment helps to minimize stresses on the upper extremities and the back.
6) Manage Time - Avoid long appointments where possible, or intersperse these with frequent short rest breaks in which you change posture and relax the upper extremities.
1. Ergonomics and the Dental Care Worker. Denise Murphy, MD (Editor). American Public Health Association, Washington, DC. October 1998.
Healthcare professionals are notoriously ignorant of their own healthcare issues. Surgeons and dentists in particular both need to give special attention to their position and biomechanics. Not only posture, but also the reaching and repetitive motions can be harmful. "Dentist heal thyself" is an interesting saying however, our goal is "dental surgeon prevent back problems in thyself
ReplyDeleteThe dental health are so essential with different conventional and dental care. It so entire and toxicity with dental treatments.The dentistry are so concern with amalgam significant factor. dentist austin
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