Occupational health in oral radiologists: A review

Abstract

Work is a fundamental axis for the development of societies and human well-being, but if a person cannot adapt to their work area and work environment, the individual may be affected by occupational or co-existing illnesses that get exacerbated when working. A scientific search was conducted in the main health databases – MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, SciELO, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Dialnet – using the keywords “occupational health”, “occupational dis-eases”, “occupational accidents” AND “oral radiology” OR “oral radiologists”. Systematic reviews as well as observational, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were included. Case reports, letters to the editor, editorials, and opinion articles were excluded. In total, 496 articles were recovered, and only 51 fulfilled the selection criteria. Signs and symptoms that affect oral radiologists include back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, tenosynovitis, computer vision syndrome (CVS), stress, depression, and burnout syndrome. Preven-tive occupational health (OH) measures are proposed to help eliminate or alleviate the symptoms associated with non-ergonomic habits at work. Oral radiologists are exposed to several risks and occupational diseases inherent and/or related to their work. By implementing simple habits and ergonomic advice, well-documented in the literature, these risks can be avoided. This review aimed to provide scientific information on the current concepts of OH in oral radiologists in order to help prevent occupational diseases and occupational accidents, and guarantee safe professional practice.