Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal
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September, 2007, Vol. 9, No. 3

CONTENTS

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Condylar and mandibular morphological criteria in the 2D and 3D MSCT imaging for patients with Class II division 1 subdivision malocclusion
67-71

Occupational hazards of dental profession to psychological wellbeeing
72-78

Malocclusion and the need for orthodontic treatment in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction
79-85

The relationship between the severity of malposition of the frontal teeth and periodontal health in age 15-21 and 35-44
86-90

The influence of early orthodontic treatment on the growth of craniofacial complex in deciduous occlusion of unilateral cleft lip and palate patients
91-96

© 2007 Stomatologija

Stomatologija 2007; 9 (3): 72-78 459 KB

Occupational hazards of dental profession to psychological wellbeeing

Alina Puriene, Jolanta Aleksejuniene, Jadvyga Petrauskiene, Irena Balciuniene, Vilija Janulyte

Summary

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine self perceived psychological wellbeing of Lithuanian dentists and to relate complains of well being to occupational hazards of dental profession.

Materials and methods. All dentists (2449) registered in Lithuanian Dental Chamber license registry were approached by post questionnaire which included structured questions regarding occupational hazards and their effects on self perceived psychological wellbeing.

Results. Overall majority (95.1%) of Lithuanian dentists reported that dental profession influences their general health and more than a half (52.4%) experienced health complains on either a frequent or very frequent basis. Substantial numbers of Lithuanian dentists reported work related stress, fatigue, nervousness and anxiety. Tension before work and awakenings at night were frequent complains. Of all, 94.2% of respondents indicated that long working hours affect their general health and 41.7% were bothered by this condition on a frequent or very frequent basis. Although less than 10% of dentists indicated overwork, they indicated that long working hours influence their psychological wellbeing.

Conclusion. Substantial numbers of Lithuanian dentists reported different impairment of their psychological well-being. These complains were related to occupational hazards of dental profession.

Key words: psychological well-being, occupational hazards, dentists.

Received: 30 08 2007

Accepted for publishing: 28 09 2007


1Zalgiris Clinic Vilnius University Hospital
2Department of Oral Health Sciences Faculty of Dentistry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
3Department of Health care management Medicine Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania

Alina Puriene1 – D.D.S., PhD, assoc. prof.
Jolanta Aleksejuniene2 – D.D.S., M.Sc., PhD, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Jadvyga Petrauskiene3 – D.D.S.
Irena Balciuniene1 – D.D.S., PhD, Hab. Dr., professor
Vilija Janulyte1 – student

Address correspondence to Dr. Alina Puriene, Zalgiris Clinic Vilnius University Hospital, Zalgirio 117, LT-08217 Vilnius, Lithuania.
E-mail: alina.puriene@gmail.com