Dental Public Health · MU Sofia

22. Occupational hazards in dental practice and their prevention. Chemical and physical factors.

Covers chemical hazards in dental practice, including mercury from amalgam, acrylic monomers, latex, disinfectants and allergic reactions, with their symptoms and prevention measures. Then turns to physical hazards such as radiation, noise, vibration, lighting, microclimate and electrical risks, plus musculoskeletal disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, venous problems and occupational stress, each with causes and preventive steps.

Inside: 14 sections · 6 flashcards · 3 min

Topic 34 of 38 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Dental Public Health (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 14 sections, about 489 words (3 min of reading), with 6 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Chemical Hazards
  2. Mercury Hazard
  3. Allergic Reactions
  4. Prevention of Chemical Hazards
  5. Physical Hazards
  6. Radiation
  7. Noise
  8. Vibration
  9. Improper Lighting
  10. Temperature and Microclimate
  11. Electrical and Mechanical Hazards
  12. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  13. Varicose Veins & Orthostatic Syndrome
  14. Occupational Stress

Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards arise from exposure to substances used in dental practice.

Common sources: Mercury/amalgam – Acrylic monomers Latex gloves – Disinfectants – Etching agents – Bonding materials – Solvents

Possible effects: Allergies – Dermatitis – Respiratory irritation Chemical burns – Toxicity – Sensitisation

Mercury Hazard

Mercury is a component of dental amalgam and may evaporate as vapour.

Main route of entry: Inhalation of mercury vapour

Target organs: Nervous system – Kidneys – Liver

Symptoms: Headache – Tremors – Irritability – Fatigue Memory impairment – Metallic taste

Prevention: Encapsulated amalgam – High-volume suction Good ventilation – PPE – Proper disposal

Allergic Reactions

Common allergens: Latex – Acrylic resins – Dental medicaments Nickel-containing instruments

Clinical manifestations: Contact dermatitis – Itching – Redness Rhinitis – Eye irritation – Respiratory allergy

Prevention: Latex-free alternatives – PPE – Good ventilation Avoid unnecessary exposure

Prevention of Chemical Hazards

PPE: Gloves – Masks – Protective eyewear

Safe practice: Correct storage – Proper labelling – Ventilation Staff training – Safe waste disposal

Working principles: Follow safety data sheets – Minimise exposure Use safer substitutes where possible

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