Dental Health and Safety

While an enjoyable and social career, dentistry, unfortunately, has a higher level of health and safety risks than other professions. Though, dental professionals take numerous precautions to ensure they and their patients remain safe from harm. It is essential that any aspiring dental professionals are well aware of the health and safety issues involved in dentistry before they enter this career, they include: Infectious hazards: Anything from needles and sharps to aerosols and spatter can transmit viral and life-threatening infections like acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis B. There is also the risk of contracting bacterial infections, Psychological hazards: Dentistry can be quite a high-stress profession which can lead to more severe psychological conditions if the appropriate stress handling measures are not undertaken, Allergic reactions: The vast array of dental materials used in practice can lead to allergic skin irritations. Latex gloves are a common cause but detergents, lubricating oils, solvents, and X-ray processing chemicals are also known irritants, Physical hazards: Because of the intricate nature of dental procedures, dental professionals can be susceptible to numerous musculoskeletal complications as a result of working in awkward positions, Mercury health hazard: Health issues related to mercury exposure are well known in dentistry. High mercury vapour exposure is known to lead to biological and neurological problems, however, preventatives like sealed amalgam capsules, water irrigation, high suction, effective ventilation, proper collection and disposal of amalgam have significantly reduced this risk, Ionizing radiation: As a result of taking X-rays in the dental office, Non-ionizing radiation: A more recent hazard affecting the eye and other exposed tissues, stemming from the lasers used to apply composites and other resins over amalgam, Anaesthetic gases: Long-term exposure to nitrous oxide gas may be harmful to dental professionals

Health and safety is important in dentistry because it protects each individual within the dental practice (dental professionals, patients and visitors) from harm while on the premises.

Like all workplaces, a dental practice, its employees and patients are all covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974). However, as the dental workplace has more hazards than most workplaces, there is additional legislation dental practices must adhere to in order to operate safely. Compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act is monitored and regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as such, each dental practice must be registered with the HSE. The General Dental Council (GDC) also stipulates Dentists must comply with the additional legislation for dental workplaces. To comply with these requirements, Dentists must:Run a safe working environment that poses no risk to employee health, that also has adequate facilities and arrangements for employee welfare at work, Make sure the dental practice, including the means of access and exit, remains in a safe condition, Ensure the appliances, equipment and systems of work they provide are in a safe condition and remain that way, Check all dental employees are trained to safely handle and store all dangerous or potentially harmful items and substances, Where required, provide the instruction, training and supervision required to ensure health and safety in the dental practice, Annually review the performance of all dental employees in terms of health and safety, identifying and immediately addressing any errors or concerns highlighted , Have the official health and safety poster displayed at all times for dental employees to refer to Its essential Dentists keep their staff informed of all safety measures adopted in order to comply. In addition to this, any dental practice with five employees and over has to produce a comprehensive health and safety policy, as well as provide a copy of this policy to each staff member. This policy must classify the health and safety procedures of the dental practice, as well as the name of the person taking responsibility for that procedure. The telephone numbers of each dental, administration and equipment maintenance contractor, as well as the local HSE contact, and emergency services should also be listed.

The prevention of errors and adverse effects to dental patients and dental health professionals from associated dental health care.

There are numerous health and safety hazards in the dental profession, though, they tend to fall into the below five categories: Infections, Musculoskeletal injuries, Radiation exposure, Sharps injuries, Slips, trips and falls

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and it is one element of the standard precautions for infection prevention and control in dentistry. The other elements include ventilation, waste management, immunisation and correct working practices.