Evaluation of Individual Noise Exposure in a Prosthodontic Clinic and Laboratory During the Post Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Noise is one of the issues brought on by modern technologies. Because of the technology they employ, some occupational groups are more affected by noise. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in healthcare around the world, such as dental clinics and prosthodontic laboratories were also affected by this change. The working circumstances in prosthodontic dental offices and prosthodontic laboratories underwent numerous adjustments included reducing the number of patients, tightening hygiene protocols and obediencing distance rules during the pandemic process. However, some factors, such as individual noise exposure, are still overlooked or not sufficiently taken into account. This study was conducted during post COVID-19 pandemic in a faculty prosthodontic clinic and laboratory to assess the individual noise sensitivity of academician dentists, dentistry interns, and laboratory technicians to see if the levels of noise were significant enough to pose a health danger. In February-March 2023, a noise assessment was conducted to evaluate the noise levels in a prosthodontic clinic and a single dental laboratory. During 8-hour work periods, five specific sound level meters (Cesva DC 112, Spain) were put on the collars of academician dentists, dentistry interns, and laboratory technicians to assess individual noise sensitivity. This study involves 74 persons, including 4 academician dentists, 60 dentistry interns, and 10 laboratory technicians. In terms of Leq and Lex-8 hour noise sensitivity, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). The average maximum (Leq) sound level among academician dentists was 73.50±0.67 decibels, 75.14±3.41 decibels for dentistry interns, and 84.64±9.12 decibels for laboratory technicians. Noise levels in this study were slightly below the occupational exposure limits (85dBA) for academician dentists, dentistry interns, excluding dental technicians who were exposed to noise levels, suggesting that they are at risk for hearing impairment. Additional measures are recommended for these groups working in the prosthodontic clinic.

Keywords

• Noise exposure evaluation
• Noise in a dental laboratory
• Noise in a prosthodontic clinic
• Health and safety
• Risk assessment

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