Self-reported and measured time of vibration exposure at ultrasonic scaling in dental hygienists

In the present study, our objective was to quantify the daily duration of v ibration exposure from ultrasonic scaling in dental hygienists and to compa re different methods of self-estimates to time-recorded measurements. The e xposure time was self-estimated by use of diary and interview methods in 10 subjects. We found that the measured total daily exposure time was limited , only on average 12 min, with a great variation, however, between and with in the subjects. Self-assessed duration of exposure was overestimated, on a verage three times higher with a diary and even more at an interview (8 tim es). In conclusion, the objectively measured exposure time was short and cl early overestimated in self-reports. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig hts reserved.