Dentists’ Knowledge, Perception, and Experience of Occupational Noise Exposure: A Comprehensive Assessment

A BSTRACT Introduction: Workplace noise exposure can cause both auditory and nonauditory health effects, especially among dentists. Aim: A study was conducted to assess the dentists’ knowledge and perception about exposure to occupational noise and its effect on them. Furthermore, the noise produced by various dental equipment was measured. Materials and Methods: A pretested and validated questionnaire was used to collect information regarding their demography and knowledge about various aspects of occupational noise exposure. The amount of noise produced by various dental equipment was measured using Precision Sound recording equipment (LABART, Delhi). Results: Among the study participants, 30 (32.3%) knew that recommended the maximum occupational noise level exposure was 85 dB and 29 (31.2%) knew about the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The most common occupational injury caused by noise was suggested as stress by 28 (30.1%) and 31 (33.3%) said that noise-induced hearing loss was usually detected when damage to the inner ear is advanced. The majority, 78 (83.9%), of them were not aware about any methods to minimize noise. The sound from the Airotor Handpiece and Ultrasonic Scaler were above 85 dB in 37% and 34.8% of the dental clinics, respectively, which was found to be statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study call for targeted educational initiatives and interventions to minimize noise levels in dental clinics, thereby safeguarding the auditory and overall health of dental professionals.