Assessment of noise intensity in a dental teaching clinic

OBJECTIVES/AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate if the duration of the consultation has influence on the intensity of noise in the dental clinic environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The measurement was performed using the decibelmetre IDETEC 300. It was turned on among 10 dental equipment at basal time (BT) and in the first, second and third hours of activity by 10 times with 1-week interval. RESULTS: The average noise was 67.39±1.11 dB for BT and 82.38±3.85, 80.99±4.78, and 70.06±6.95 dB for hours 1 to 3, respectively, representing a significant difference (ANOVA, F(3.36)=29.28, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the first and second hours of clinical care there was more noise intensity in the work environment compared to BT and to the third time. Furthermore, the noise peaks became closer to the limit of 85 dB, which can threaten hearing loss with repeated exposure throughout a dentist’s career. DISCUSSION: The findings presented here show how much the dental surgeon is exposed to the level of noise since his time of study.