Occupational health problems of dentists in southern Thailand

Aims: To investigate the prevalence and nature of some occupationally relat ed health problems in dentists in southern Thailand. Design: A cross-sectio nal study using a self-report questionnaire distributed to all 220 dentists working in 14 provinces in southern Thailand in 1997. Participants: One hu ndred and seventy-eight dentists aged between 22 to 54 years responded. Res ults: The most common occupational health problems were musculoskeletal pai n (78 per cent) and percutaneous injury (50 per cent). Associated factors w ere analysed using multivariate analysis. About 22 per cent of these dentis ts had a history of contact dermatitis mostly caused by allergy to latex gl oves, 15 per cent had eye problems, and 3 per cent had hearing problems. Co nclusions: Continuing education in the avoidance of percutaneous injuries w ould be beneficial, as exposure to potential infectious agents is of concer n, Further studies are needed to identify causes of musculoskeletal pain an d to identify appropriate interventions to reduce its prevalence, as would similar measures to reduce exposure to agents which may be producing contac t dermatitis.