Workplace assault and its' impact to service delivery amongst dental professionals at Tertiary Hospitals in Northern Nigeria

Objective: The growing global public health concern of workplace assaults has necessitated that workers' health and safety be given same priority as patient's safety. The study assessed the prevalence of workplace assault and its' impact on service delivery among dental professionals at tertiary hospitals in Northern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 60 dental professionals working in tertiary hospitals actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate trainings for dental workforce in Northern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selection of respondents and participation was voluntary. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0 and p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Ethical approval was received. Results: Sixty percent dentists and 40.0% dental auxiliaries participated in the study. Assault prevalence was 38.3% observed more among dental professionals (44.0%) in their first year in practice. Types of assaults experienced were; non-physical 19 (82.6%) with loud shouting and threats as most frequent, physical 3 (13.0%) with bullying and mobbing most frequent, and combination was 1 (4.4%). Patients (60.9%) and relatives (52.2%) were major culprits, and long appointment (65.2%) and treatment cost (60.9%) were main reasons for assault. Respondents (39.1%) expressed impact on their productivity and 69.6% respondents were ill-prepared to handle it. Conclusion: The prevalence of workplace assaults on dental professionals was fairly high and those in their first year in practice suffer more assault than others. Assault preventive programs should however specifically target this group in consideration with the unique nature and varied needs of each healthcare institutions

Awareness and Assessment of Work-related Hearing Impairment among Dental Professionals in Kano-Nigeria.

Background: Dentist and allied professionals are undoubtedly among professional groups at risk of noise- induced hearing impairment in the workplace. There has been speculation about the relationship between hearing loss and the use of high-speed dental drills among dental professionals. In resource-poor settings, dental instruments may be old and worn out with the attendant risks of hearing impairment following their use. Aim: To report the awareness and assessment of work-related hearing impairment among dental professionals in Kano State. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire-based survey among Dentists and dental allied staff in Kano State. Participants were given questionnaires containing detailed information about the survey to fill after consenting. Each questionnaire was examined to ensure they were properly filled and the consent form duly signed. Results: A total of 138 respondents fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a response rate of 86%. The highest respondents were Dental surgeon assistants and dental hygienist under 35 years (85.5%) of age and had worked for at least 5years. Sixty two respondents (44.9%) worked more than 8 hours / day while 76(55.1%) worked less than 8hours/day. Out of 99(71.7%) respondents who use Ultrasonic scaler about 43(43.0%) reported that the Ultrasonic scaler was at least 5 years old while out of 84 respondents who use dental turbines, 36(42.9%) of them reported that the turbines were at least 5years old. Loud power generators were an additional source of exposure to loud noise 42(31.6%) contributing to hearing impairment. Conclusion: It is recommended that periodic hearing evaluation and use of hearing protective devices and appropriate content workshops/seminar about work related noise exposure made a mandatory part of continuous professional development for dental professionals.