Prevalence, Awareness and Preventive Measures of Occupational Hazards among Dental Professionals

Abstract

Aims: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, awareness, and health results of occupational hazards amongst Iraqi dentists and evaluate their preventive practices.

Materials and Methods: from March to June 2025, A descriptive cross-sectional survey utilizing a bilingual self-administered questionnaire was handed out manually and online among 201 dentists and senior students aged between 20-65 years, chosen by convenience sampling.

Results: The majority of participants were aged 23-29 years (45%), with a female predominance (60%). Most respondents (53%) had 1-5 years of experience. In physical hazards, musculoskeletal pain was widespread, with lower back pain being the most common at 67.7%. Exposure to infection and injury in biological hazards was also prevalent, and the most reported infection was herpes simplex at 5.5%. In chemical hazards and Allergic reactions to dental materials, bio-aerosols were reported by 39.3%, being the most frequent sensitizing material. Tension headache was commonly reported by 59.2% in regard to facial pain. There were also varying levels of stress reported. In regard to preventive methods, 85% take Hepatitis B vaccination, and most of them adhere to infection control and personal protective equipment.

Conclusion: Iraqi dentists face many occupational hazards, having multiple risks on their health, with psychological stress, musculoskeletal disorders and radiation exposure being the most prevalent. These issues are escalated by limited awareness, unsafe procedures, and inadequate preventive measures. The findings emphasize the urgent need for directed interventions, including improved training for occupational hazards prevention, reinforced regulatory compliance, and systemically organized wellness policies for enhanced workplace safety in dental practice.