Noise Level in a Dental Laboratory
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Date
2010-08-31
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Publisher
Journal of the Dental Association of Thailand
Abstract
AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the noise level producing from the removable prostheses construction process in a dental laboratory. The type of study was an analytical study. Noise level was measured with the precision sound level meter. Eighty-two dental technicians who work at least 8 hours per day were recruited. The mean age of the technician was 32.44 years old. The noise level was recorded at the technician work site and at the center of a working room. Three study groups were designated; design-waxing group, arrangement-polishing group and trimming-curing group. The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference (p =.00) of the mean noise level at the technician work sites among the three study groups. The arrangement-polishing group showed the highest mean noise level of 74.93+9.52 dB (range =53.40-90.90 dB). The study of the mean noise level at the center of working room showedno statistically significant difference between the arrangement-polishing group and the trimming-curing group, mean noise level were 72.53+7.52 and 70.52+3.90 dB, respectively. The mean noise level of these two groups were statistically greater than that of design-waxing group (p = .00). For individual dental equipments, model trimmer and airblow pipe produced mean noise level of 90.47+3.20 and 87.05+1.01 dB, respectively,which were greater than the safety noise level standard (85 dB). This study suggested that the technicians may be at risk of hearing loss, therefore, specific precautions should be taken to improve their working conditions.
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Citation
Journal of the Dental Association of Thailand; Vol.59 No.3 July-September 2009; 173-182