Other
Mackenzie Bates, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident, PGY-2
Indiana University
Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis Indiana – Riley Hospital for Children
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Allison C. Scully, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Timothy Hsu, PhD
Indiana University Perdue University Indianapolis
Juan F. Yepes, DDS, MD, MPH, MS, DrPH
Indiana University, Riley Hospital for Children
Kamolphob Phasuk, DDS, MS, FACP
Indiana University
Christopher Discolo, MD
Indiana University Health
LaQuia A. Vinson, DDS, MPH
Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program Director
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Allison C. Scully, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
Indiana University/Riley Hospital for Children
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Purpose: Dental professionals are exposed to loud and high frequency noises as part of their daily work environment. In the pediatric environment, dental noises are coupled with cries and screams of children exhibiting pre-cooperative and noncooperative behavior. This study evaluates the noise levels recorded in a hospital-based pediatric dental clinic, and evaluates exposure of personnel to potentially hazardous noise levels.
Methods: Data was collected with the use of a sound level meter (SLM) and a noise dosimeter. The SLM is used to measure background noise statistics for a given location. The locations studied by the SLM include: quiet room, open bay setting, oral sedation operatory, and operating room. The noise dosimeter measures personal sound exposure of the dentist, and was worn clipped near the left ear of a pediatric dental resident. The dosimeter records data closest to that perceived by the human ear. Data analysis includes summary of peak and average levels of noise exposure compared to OSHA thresholds and comparison of clinic settings using a two-sided ANOVA with a 5% significance level.
Results: Final results are pending. Initial data indicates personal daily exposure measuring 0.2%-20% of OSHA allowance, and peak decibels reaching 133 dbA.
Conclusion: Initial results suggest peak decibel readings as loud as a jackhammer. The data gathered through this study will provide valuable information regarding potentially hazardous noise levels that pediatric dental professionals are exposed to as part of daily work activity.