The objective of this study was to estimate exposure to vibration caused by the use of rotary instruments by dentists. The rotary instruments were analyzed at high- and low-speed rotation. The deleterious effects of vibration on the hand-arm assembly are a function of frequency and amplitude of the signal. It was observed that the effects depend on whether the excitement consists of a single frequency or presents a complex spectrum. We tested three samples of each rotating device (pen), namely: high-speed pen, counter-angle and low-speed hand piece, also low-spin. The use of rotary instruments by dentists was evaluated; there is an some occupational risk in terms of vibration to the hands, especially when operated continuously for six hours, which may be an important contributing factor in the development of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD)/Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD). Moreover, the range of physiological effects of vibration suggests that fluctuations impair the mechanical performance and in many cases increase the risk of error and accidents.
Vibrations; Occupational exposure; Surgeon-dentists
