Posted By Kieran J Duignan Mark Here are three forms of 'less obvious' hazards I've come across a. postural back strain risks for dentists and dental hygienists, especially if the individual's height and arm lengths require him/her to stretch or hunch over patients, for hours on end. b. some dentists and hygienists are also exposed to risks of repetitive strain injury c. Gross stress on the part of less experienced dentists working as Associates, who find that the owners instruct the receptionist to 'load' the diary of 'juniors'.

Posted By lewes I would have thought you were looking at risks others have mentioned, but also: - working with members of the public (violence/nerves/kids) - possible RSI - sharps/needles etc - possible access/fire problems, elderly/disabled

Posted By Rakesh Maharaj Mark, It's been approx 4 yrs now that I have advised a group of dental surgeries in respect to the safe use of xray equipment. I remember reading the document referred to by Kim but also remember that safe systems were quite unclear. Based partly upon the advice provided in the publication and advice from both the HSE and practices in Canada and Oz, my advice to my client was to ensure that installation, commissioning and testing of the kit should be carried out under the direction of an RPS, however, subsequent changes, relocation, maintenance etc should be supervised by an radiation protection supervisor. I also remember advising that it was unneccesary to employ an RPA or RPS on a full time basis as it was inappropriate for the business, but to rather source a contract service. I hope this helps R

Posted By John Webster Also, Check your seggregation & handling of "clinical" waste. Teeth must be incinerated as pathalogical waste, and handled as sharps - even if they contain a large proportion of amalgam. Partially discharged syringes are pharmaceutical waste, but fully discharged ones can go with general clinical waste/sharps. And paper towels from hand washing and wrappers from instruments are domestic waste. Most surgeries don't have room for the different bags and bins, and many dentists cannot be ar*ed to seggregate properly. Waste amalgam is usually put in special containers provided (at a price) by specialist recycling companies. And look at eye protection. Body fluid splashes and bits of tooth and amalgam tend to come up underneath common or garden safety specs. Uv filtering may be required (curing lamps), and there may be need for prescription lenses as the specs will be worn for much of the working day for intricate work