Common Workplace Hazards To Watch for in Dentistry

The American Dental Association (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) play prominent roles in ensuring the dental industry's success. ADA focuses on providing support. They guide dentists and those involved in dentistry with set core values. ADA also focuses on crucial topics in the dental work field.

OSHA provides a more general form of support, ensuring workplaces of all kinds produce healthy, safe, and optimized working conditions. Both ADA and OSHA cover regulations pertaining to possible dentistry hazards and aim to minimize injuries and other health and safety issues in dental clinics. Here are four of the most common workplace hazards to watch for in dentistry and how to prevent them.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Dental work puts dentists in unnatural positions in order to work around the patient and access the mouth. Between stabilizing the hand, performing small movements to navigate the small workspace, and bending over, dentists expose their bodies to many physical stressors throughout the day. Carpal tunnel, back and spine aches, and other repetitive stress injuries commonly occur in dentistry. To avoid and minimize physical strains, implement ergonomic features into the office, promote regular exercise and stretching, and encourage breaks.

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure

Compared with most workplaces, healthcare practices present some of the most dangerous health exposures, including bloodborne pathogens. They spread quickly and do a lot of damage. Decreasing risks of bloodborne pathogens in a dental office involves establishing and enforcing best practices such as:

     • Proper hazardous waste disposal
     • Wearing PPE (e.g., gloves, aprons, masks)
     • Thorough sanitation
     • Cautionary handling

Latex Allergies and Skin Irritation

Many pieces of dental equipment use latex, from gloves to orthodontic rubber bands and bandages. Although latex boasts many beneficial qualities, it does more harm than good to some people. Latex allergies cause skin irritations and sometimes life-threatening shock. Making sure your staff knows their susceptibility to latex allergies helps you minimize encounters and serious allergic reactions. Also, make sure to keep alternatives in stock to further reduces risks and provide a safer workplace for those with allergies. The same goes for any other allergies and potential allergenic sources.

Radiation Exposure Risks

Certain dental procedures require intense treatments or processes for the best results. However, upping the ante on treatments and methods sometimes means increasing the risks. Taking patient x-rays gets results, but it also creates radiation exposure. When possible, find alternatives or encourage workers to wear appropriate safety gear. Plus, don't forget to monitor exposure and keep track of how many people interact with radiation.

Taking extra care when preventing and responding to common workplace hazards in dentistry greatly changes the success of your dental office. These practices affect your staff’s performance, working conditions, and general well-being. Further enhance your dental clinic’s health and safety with an OSHA compliance manual from Gamma Compliance. Learn the best practices for prevention, hazard response, and regulatory requirements for dentistry.