Occupational health problems among dentists in Moldavian Region of Romania.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational health problems among dentists in the Moldavian Region of Romania.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Questionnaire-based study was conducted on 152 dentists aged between 25-65 years practicing in 6 counties the Moldavian Region of Romania. The questionnaire included questions related to the dentists' occupational health pathology. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and chi-square test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The majority of the dentists (91%) consider that they are exposed to an occupational risk and 41.8% of them experienced a percutaneus injury caused by sharp instruments in the last year.74.6% of the dentists are protected by vaccination against hepatitis B and 76.1% against influenza. 49.3% of the dentists reported eye injuries caused by solid particles (13.2%), blood splashes (14.7%) and/or chemicals (20,5%). Allergies associated to professional activity were reported by 76.1% of the dentists.

CONCLUSIONS

The dental staff must be informed in order to recognize, control and prevent the potential occupational hazards in the workplace.