Relationship Of Characteristics And Duration Of Work With Subjective Complaints Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome At Dentist At USU RSGM In 2024

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Relationship of Characteristics and Duration of Work with Subjective Complaints Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome at Dentist at USU RSGM in 2024

Introduction

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that affects workers who use repetitive vibrating devices, leading to sensory, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms. In dental practice, the use of vibrating devices such as ultrasonic scalers and dental burns for a long time has the potential to have a negative impact on the health of dentists, especially those related to HAVS. This study aims to determine the relationship of dentist characteristics, such as age, gender, length of work, smoking habits, and working hours, with subjective complaints Havs at the Dental and Oral Hospital, University of North Sumatra (RSGM USU).

Methodology

The research method used is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The study involved 59 dentists at the Dental and Oral Hospital, RSGM USU, who were asked to complete a questionnaire about their characteristics and working conditions. The questionnaire included questions about age, gender, length of work, smoking habits, working hours, and subjective complaints Havs.

Results

The results showed that 18 dentists (30.5%) experienced subjective complaints Havs, while 41 dentists (69.5%) did not experience these complaints. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test shows a statistically significant relationship between working hours (p-value = 0.025) and subjective complaints have been at the USU RSGM dentist. Meanwhile, there was no significant relationship between other independent variables, namely age, sex, length of work, and smoking habits with subjective complaints have to dentists at USU RSGM.

Types of Subjective Complaints Havs

From the results obtained, the most common type of subjective complaints of Havs is a sense of tingling on the fingers and palms, which are reported by 30 dentists (50.8%). Conversely, complaints that are most rarely found are a feeling of being stabbed in the palm of the hand, with only one dentist (1.7%) who reports the complaint.

Prevention and Control Measures

In an effort to reduce the risk of HAVS, dentists at USU RSGM are advised to take a break for ten minutes every hour from the use of vibrating devices, wear gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure, and conduct regular health checks to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage. These steps are very important to maintain the long-term health of dentists and prevent more serious complaints in the future.

Conclusion

The importance of awareness of the impact of the use of vibrating tools in dentistry practices cannot be ignored. Through this research, it is expected that professionals in the field of dentistry can better understand the health risks associated with their work and apply the necessary precautions. Thus, the health and welfare of dentists can be maintained, and the quality of service to patients remains optimal.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Dentists at USU RSGM should take regular breaks from using vibrating devices to reduce the risk of HAVS.
  • Dentists should wear gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure.
  • Regular health checks should be conducted to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage.
  • Awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate dentists about the health risks associated with the use of vibrating tools.
  • The university should provide training and education programs for dentists on the prevention and control of HAVS.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted at a single institution, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Finally, the study did not control for other potential confounding variables that may affect the relationship between working hours and subjective complaints Havs.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate this study at other institutions to increase the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, future research should investigate other potential risk factors for HAVS, such as the type of vibrating device used and the duration of use. Finally, future research should explore the effectiveness of prevention and control measures for HAVS in dental practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between working hours and subjective complaints Havs among dentists at USU RSGM. The study also found that the most common type of subjective complaints of Havs is a sense of tingling on the fingers and palms. The study recommends that dentists take regular breaks from using vibrating devices, wear gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure, and conduct regular health checks to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) in Dentistry

Q: What is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

A: Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that affects workers who use repetitive vibrating devices, leading to sensory, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Q: What are the symptoms of HAVS?

A: The symptoms of HAVS include tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers and hands, as well as vascular symptoms such as coldness and discoloration of the fingers.

Q: What are the risk factors for HAVS in dentistry?

A: The risk factors for HAVS in dentistry include the use of vibrating devices such as ultrasonic scalers and dental burns, as well as prolonged exposure to these devices.

Q: How can dentists prevent HAVS?

A: Dentists can prevent HAVS by taking regular breaks from using vibrating devices, wearing gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure, and conducting regular health checks to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage.

Q: What are the consequences of not preventing HAVS?

A: The consequences of not preventing HAVS include chronic pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and hands, as well as vascular symptoms such as coldness and discoloration of the fingers.

Q: Can HAVS be treated?

A: Yes, HAVS can be treated with a variety of methods, including physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Q: How can dentists diagnose HAVS?

A: Dentists can diagnose HAVS by conducting a physical examination, taking a medical history, and performing diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies and vascular studies.

Q: What are the long-term effects of HAVS?

A: The long-term effects of HAVS include chronic pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and hands, as well as vascular symptoms such as coldness and discoloration of the fingers.

Q: Can HAVS be prevented in the long term?

A: Yes, HAVS can be prevented in the long term by taking regular breaks from using vibrating devices, wearing gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure, and conducting regular health checks to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage.

Q: What are the recommendations for dentists to prevent HAVS?

A: The recommendations for dentists to prevent HAVS include:

  • Taking regular breaks from using vibrating devices
  • Wearing gloves as a personal protective tool for vibrational exposure
  • Conducting regular health checks to detect and prevent HAVS since early stage
  • Educating patients about the risks of HAVS and the importance of prevention
  • Reporting any symptoms of HAVS to a healthcare professional

Q: What are the recommendations for dental schools to prevent HAVS?

A: The recommendations for dental schools to prevent HAVS include:

  • Incorporating HAVS prevention into the curriculum
  • Providing education and training on HAVS prevention for dental students
  • Encouraging dental students to take regular breaks from using vibrating devices
  • Providing access to gloves and other personal protective equipment for dental students
  • Encouraging dental students to report any symptoms of HAVS to a healthcare professional.