Doug Kase
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 ELL,
FAITHFUL READERS, we all have managed to get back in gear and resume our
everyday lives in light of September 11th. Learning to live with
what happened and what could happen is something we must all master, and
must master rather skillfully. So, if you think the world has turned into
a hazardous place to live, you’re right, but for now let’s concentrate
on some of the occupational hazards that we encounter every day in our
dental practices.
Numerous communicable diseases can rear their ugly
heads within a dental office environment. Among the most common that are
spread by inoculation are the blood-borne pathogens hepatitis viruses B,
C, Delta, and G, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and herpes. Additionally,
a number of respiratory viruses, from the common cold to tuberculosis,
can be spread by inhalation.
How do we protect ourselves?
The answer is simple, for we do so by implementing
“universal precautions” and viewing every patient as a potential source
of infection.
Make sure your patient’s medical history is complete,
and don’t be lazy. Put on your mask, gloves, and protective eyewear.
Inoculation most commonly occurs through a needlestick
or sharps-related injury. Thus it is important to establish routines within
your office to minimize exposure to this hazard for you and your staff.
Use disposable items when possible and try not to recap a contaminated
needle without the correct single-handed technique or a safety device.
All sharps should be disposed into a proper container and any instruments
should be carried to the sterilization area in a closed container.
All clinical waste should also be disposed of properly.
Ionizing radiation can also be a dental office hazard.
Make sure all x-ray units are well maintained and inspected. Using
newer faster film or digital radiography will reduce exposure time.
Using the lead apron for your patient and maintaining a proper distance
from the x-ray head for the dentist should be common sense. Also,
a radiation-monitoring device can provide additional insurance for you
and your staff.
When my father, who was also a dentist, lost his
high-pitch hearing, we all blamed it on his handpiece. The evidence
that sound hazards in the dental office can create hearing loss is inconclusive.
Our high-speed handpiece operates in ranges from 3900 to 12500 Hz and more.
Duration and degree of exposure can be the critical factors in hearing
loss.
A good piece of advice that I could give my readers
is “Watch your back!” And while you are doing that, watch your wrist and
other parts of your body, too. Musculo-skeletal problems can be induced
while practicing dentistry either correctly or incorrectly. Sit correctly
and practice good posture. Make sure you have a comfortable operator’s
chair that is set to the correct height to avoid pressure on your sciatic
nerve. Take breaks, stretch properly, and maintain your physical fitness.
To help prevent carpal-tunnel syndrome, try to avoid repetitive movements
and overly flexed positions of your wrist. Take rest periods, and
don’t grip your instruments too tightly.
When it comes to stress there is only one thing
I can say—“It stinks.” Let’s face it, our beloved profession can
be psychologically stressful. Office problems, staff problems, and patient
problems can snowball into an unmanageable mess. Try to practice
behaviors that reduce this stress. Manage your time properly and try not
to overbook your day. Taking a routine lunch break may help to buffer
a busy schedule. Frequent staff meetings and scripted scenarios for
dealing with problem patients will certainly also help. Obviously,
your psychological and physical health are intimately entwined, so maintaining
one will help maintain the other.
November-December 2001
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Your psychological
and physical health are intimately entwined. Maintaining one will help
maintain the other.
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