Dental professionals are exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals and situations in their work environment, which can lead to injury if not properly managed. To protect themselves and their patients, it is essential for dental staff to understand the potential risks and take the necessary safety precautions. This includes recognizing, controlling, and preventing workplace hazards, as well as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safety protocols. The skin is an effective barrier against many chemicals, but some can be absorbed through direct contact or breaks in the skin.
Repeated contact with certain chemicals can cause dermatitis. Inhalation of gases, vapors, or dust from materials is another common route of chemical exposure. Some chemicals can directly damage the lungs, while others are absorbed by the lungs and sent through the bloodstream to other organs. Ingestion (swallowing) is another way that chemicals can enter the body.
Eating in an area where chemicals are used or eating with hands contaminated with chemicals is a common way of ingesting harmful chemicals. It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after contact with any chemical product and consider using special protective gloves when appropriate. Acute chemical toxicity is the result of high levels of exposure for a short period of time. Symptoms of acute overexposure to chemicals include dizziness, fainting (syncope), headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Mercury spill kits should be available in all dental offices that use amalgams for restorations. Exposure to even small amounts of mercury is very dangerous to the health of workers and can be absorbed through the skin or by inhaling mercury vapors. Dental staff can be protected from occupational transmission of infectious diseases by strictly complying with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard of the Canadian Center for Occupational Health (CCOH), as well as infection control guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When performing aerosol-generating procedures for dental care, use high-evacuation dental and suction systems to minimize droplet splashes and aerosols. Dental staff should consider the possibility that any container, equipment, or dental material could be contaminated during manipulation.
For dental offices with state occupational safety plans, consult your area administrator for applicable requirements. It is important for dental office owners to be aware of special OSHA safety regulations related to radiation- and blood-borne pathogens, as well as cuts, punctures, and lacerations. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the importance of engineering and work practice controls recommended by OSHA and CDC to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens caused by needle punctures and other injuries related to sharp objects in dental environments. To ensure safety in a dental office environment, it is essential that all staff members are aware of potential hazards and take appropriate precautions. This includes wearing protective clothing such as gloves, masks, and eye protection when handling hazardous materials; using proper ventilation; disposing of hazardous materials properly; and following all safety protocols.
