Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss by rational appointment algorithm in periodontal, restorative and prosthetic treatments: A method study

Dentists are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Dental treatment equipment has high-intensity noise levels. Occupational noise levels of multi-unit dental clinic are higher than private clinic and are at further increased risk of NIHL. This study aims to develop a noise-reducing appointment system in multi-unit dental clinics using treatment duration and steps noisemap. Restorative, periodontal, and prosthetic dental procedure noise levels were measured in a multi-unit dental clinic. A procedure noise map was created by measuring the amount of noise in the treatment time interval and the silent treatment period. The appointment algorithm was created according to this noise map. Control and 7 test simulation appointment algorithms were tested. The control group was simulated in six units simultaneously with conventional hour-based appointment algorithm. Test groups were simulated according to the appointment algorithm based on the treatment steps noisemap. Six-unit dental clinic was simulated under the dBmap system. While 2 of the 6 units in the test groups are in noise producing treatment steps, the other 4 seats are planned to operate without noise. According to treatment steps noisemap, test groups operated two-unit simultaneously at different timings. The distribution of noise producing units in the clinic was simulated in 7 groups (T1-T7). The mean noise measurements in all tested groups were significantly lower than in the control group. Periodontal treatment mean occupational noise level (68 dB) was higher than restorative (61 dB) and prosthetic treatment (59 dB). Control room mean occupational noise measurement was 68,54 dB, and test groups mean occupational noise measurements were between 57,19 –63,98 dB. The difference between control and tested groups was significantly different(p=0,0009). Occupational noise was significantly reduced with the noise reduction-based appointment method. Further studies are needed with different treatment procedures and validation studies in clinical settings.