Occupational Environmental Hazards in the Dental Office: Health Risks and Preventive Measures
Course Overview
There are many potential occupational health hazards associated with working in a dental office. Some health risks have long been known to the dental profession; others have only more recently been discovered as potential health risks. No member of the dental team is immune to these potential hazards. Every team member must take precautions and employ preventive measures to reduce personal health risks associated with occupational hazards. This course will also review situations which can become health hazards and involve patients and practice protocols which can be used to prevent this occurrence.
This basic-level course reviews environmental occupational hazards associated with the practice of dentistry. This course will be helpful to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants serving in dental offices and clinics, as well as to dental office safety supervisors in implementing or updating their hazard communication and/or office safety programs. It can be useful in training experienced employees and new hires.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Identify common health risks and preventive measures associated with mercury, radiation, and hazardous chemicals used in dentistry.
- Identify common health risks and preventive measures associated with noxious gases and bioaerosols in dentistry.
- Identify common health risks and preventive measures associated with latex, visible white light, dental lasers, and bonding materials.
- Identify common health risks and preventive measures associated with hazardous noise levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hand injuries.
About the Author/Presenter
Mark J. Szarejko, DDS, FAGD, received a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, and a DDS from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1985. He has been a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry since 1994 and a certified correctional healthcare professional since 2007. Dr. Szarejko has more than 38 years of dental experience in New York and Florida. He recently retired from his position as a staff dentist at the Hillsborough County Jail in Tampa, Florida, and has been an examiner for the State of Florida dental and dental hygiene examinations since 1994. He has reviewed standard of care and professional liability cases for the State of Florida and for private companies. Dr. Szarejko has presented nationally on correctional health care and has authored more than 30 continuing education courses.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Dental
AGD Code: 010
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