A case study of a dental receptionist diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease.

AIM: This article describes the search for the source of infection after a female dental receptionist was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. METHODOLOGY: An environmental investigation was carried out to locate the source of the infection. Samples were taken from different sources at sites where the dental receptionist resided and worked, and tested for Legionella pneumophila. Thermal measures were employed to eliminate the favourable conditions for the growth of Legionellae. RESULTS: The initial sampling of 13 sites indicated that there were four sample points which showed the presence of Legionella. Heat shock treatment of the hot water system was introduced as an intervention measure. A subsequent sampling of 14 sites indicated that two sample points showed the presence of Legionella. Water supply temperatures were found to be within the Legionella spp. ideal growth range. Faults were identified and measures were taken to regulate thermal temperatures outside the range which permits Legionellae growth. CONCLUSION: There is scientific evidence that water used as a coolant and irrigant during dental procedures can be heavily contaminated with micro-organisms. Thermal control of water and measures to correct faulty water systems can assist in prevention of Legionnaires' disease.

A meta analysis of the prevalence of spinal pain among dentists.

INTRODUCTION: Physical exertion among dentists seems to put them at increased risk for the occurrence of spinal pain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of spinal pain among dentists by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic-literature search was conducted on prevalence of spinal pain among dentists. The databases searched were CINAHL, MEDLINE, Science Direct, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library), ProQuest: Science Journals, and PsyclNFO. A standardised data extraction form was used to extract data. Prevalence proportions were pooled by meta-analysis. RESULTS: The search yielded 936 studies. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis yielded a combined prevalence of 53.90% (95% Cl: 41.96 to 65.84%) for thoracic-lumbar pain, 41.23% (95% CI: 27.52 to 54.93%) for lower back pain and 41.39% (95% CI: 27.81 to 54.98%) for neck pain. There was, however, a considerable heterogeneity between studies. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic interventions including exercise and therapeutically based preventative measures may have an impact on reducing high prevalence of spinal pain.