Occupational diseases in dentistry: Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Dentists, in the practice of their profession, are exposed to infectious diseases (most commonly hepatitis and HIV), biological accidents involving needles or sharp instruments and chemical intoxication from disinfectants, cements or dental resins. Also, they may suffer musculoskeletal disorders due to bad ergonomic postures, hearing loss and eye splashes or vision loss due to curing light, intense artificial lighting from dental units and constant visual strain in a limited space. Moreover, mental illnesses have been detected such as psychological issues like stress, fatigue, burnout, and depression. They are exposed to ionizing radiation and they may suffer from cancer more often than the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library Plus.

RESULTS: Musculoskeletal problems, infectious diseases, visual and hearing impairments, and psychological disorders are some of the occupational diseases dentists may develop during their careers. A series of preventive measures are analyzed and proposed.

CONCLUSIONS: The practice of dentistry carries the risk of various types of occupational diseases, which must be understood and prevented.