Occupational Physical Hazards and Safety Practices at Dental Clinics

**Background:** Dentistry is recognized as a high-risk profession due to exposure to various hazards, including physical agents like noise, radiation, and inadequate lighting. Prolonged noise exposure can cause hearing loss, radiation poses risks of tissue damage, and poor lighting leads to eye strain and fatigue. Despite these risks, studies have shown poor knowledge of safety practices among dental staff. This study aimed to assess levels of occupational physical hazards (noise, lighting, radiation) and evaluate safety practices at the dental department of the Armed Force Hospital in Dharan, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

**Methods:** The study was conducted over three months (January–March 2020) at 11 sites across five departments: dental clinics (general and pediatric), dental hygiene (DH) clinic, dental laboratory, central sterile service department (CSSD), and X-ray room. Noise, lighting, and radiation were measured simultaneously on three different days (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday) at three time periods (8–9 am, 9–10 am, 10–11 am). Nearly 5,022 readings were recorded. Area noise was measured with a TES 1352A Sound Level Meter, and workers' noise dose was measured with a TES-1354 Noise Dosimeter. Lighting was measured with a TES 1337B Lux Intensity Meter, and radiation with a RadEye B20-ER Multipurpose Survey Meter. Safety practices were evaluated using a 32-item questionnaire distributed to all 177 dental staff (response rate 88.5%; 62.7% female, 37.3% male). Statistical analysis included ANOVA and chi-square tests.

**Key Results:** - **Noise:** The highest mean area noise level was 67.2 ± 11.3 dB in the dental laboratory on Sunday (8–9 am), and the lowest was 46.3 ± 4.2 dB in the X-ray room on Tuesday (9–10 am). All mean levels were below the recommended limit of 85 dBA. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between noise levels in dental clinics and all other departments, and between the X-ray room and other locations. Noise levels varied significantly by time period (p < 0.05) but not by day of the week. Dental laboratory workers had the highest noise dose exposure. - **Lighting:** The highest mean lighting level was 1,080.3 ± 464.3 lux in the dental laboratory on Tuesday (9–10 am), and the lowest was 236.3 ± 115 lux in the X-ray room on Tuesday (same period). All levels met the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization requirements for the respective activities. Lighting levels did not vary significantly by day or time period. - **Radiation:** The highest mean radiation level was 12.1 ± 3.77 µrem in the dental laboratory on Thursday (8–9 am), and the lowest was 7.8 ± 3.3 µrem in the DH clinic on Thursday (8–9 am). All levels were far below the annual occupational dose equivalent limits (e.g., 5 rem whole-body). No significant variation by day or time. - **Safety Practices:** 76.8% of staff dealt with X-rays, but 74.6% did not know how to hold an X-ray film and 75.1% did not know how to hold the radiographic tube. 90.4% had never experienced eye injury, and 70.1% had never experienced ear fatigue. 62.7% were not satisfied with workplace lighting. 68.9% did not frequently use dental loupes. 68.4% felt noise disturbed them. 98.3% of respondents adhered to safety practices (e.g., 94.4% ensured instrument sterilization, 81.4% used protective eyewear, 95.5% used facemasks, 97.7% changed gloves between patients). However, only 22.6% had attended a workshop on occupational hazards, and 42.9% were unaware of periodical awareness programs. 75.7% followed radiation protection measures (e.g., 88.7% stood behind a barrier during X-ray exposure, 85.3% wore a radiation detection device).

**Clinical Implications:** The study demonstrates that in a well-equipped hospital dental department, physical hazard levels can be maintained within safe limits, and staff can achieve high adherence to safety practices. However, significant gaps remain in knowledge about specific radiation safety techniques and in participation in continuing education. The findings underscore the need for regular, mandatory training programs on occupational hazards and safety protocols, particularly for radiation protection and proper use of equipment. The high rate of dissatisfaction with lighting and the prevalence of noise disturbance suggest that environmental improvements could further enhance staff comfort and performance. The study provides a benchmark for other dental clinics and highlights the importance of institutional safety culture and periodic monitoring.