Resumo

KOKELA, FF  e  MOODLEY, R. Exploring perceptions of workplace-based risks and hazards: A study of dental assisting students at a South African university of technology. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2024, vol.79, n.7, pp.367-374. ISSN 0375-1562.  https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v79i06.18829.

INTRODUCTION: Dental assistants play a vital role in delivering four-handed dentistry and oral healthcare to patients. However, they face many risks and hazards at work that could negatively affect their physical and emotional health. These may range from mental health problems to chemical exposure, infectious diseases, and ergonomic issues OBJECTIVES: To explore the understanding of dental assisting students regarding potential occupational risks and hazards in the dental environment and to determine the awareness of perceived occupational risks and hazards using a self-administered questionnaire METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive study used qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore the perspectives of student dental assistants regarding occupational health risks and hazards for data collection through open-ended and short answers RESULTS: Seventy-six dental assistants participated in this study, yielding a (85.3%) response rate. The findings indicated that only 17% (n=13) of the participants had not received an orientation on occupational risks and hazards, and 59% (n=45) were unsure. Eighty-two percent (n=62) had been taught correct posture and sitting methods. Regarding psychological well-being, 53% (n=40) agreed to being stressed, over 34% (n=26) indicated that the university offered various mental health services, and 86.6% (n=66%) expressed satisfaction with the current training CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical need for comprehensive education, better ergonomics at work, and more robust preventative measures to protect dental assistants' health and well-being

Palavras-chave : Occupational health; hazards; risks; dental education; curriculum.

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