Introduction

The prevalence of occupational health conditions is high among dental practitioners and this study investigated the role which occupational health plays in dental training.

Purpose/objectives

This study was conducted to explore occupational health and to determine the topics to include from an occupational health perspective into the dental curriculum.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to explore the perceptions of dental practitioners, dental academics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, occupational health specialists, ergonomists, optometrists and audiologists about dental training from an occupational health perspective in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa. The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach was used in this study.

Results

Three main themes became evident that hinged on varying understanding of occupational health-related conditions to dental practice, how practitioners experience practising in the resource-poor settings and its impact on the dental practice. There was also a lack of awareness of the occupational health policies and practices, which could inform safe dental practice.

Conclusion

Dental academics should gain input from a multidisciplinary team. An occupational health course with a student-centred approach would enrich the dental curriculum and make dental practitioners more aware of occupational health issues.

中文翻译：

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预防牙科医生职业健康相关疾病的多学科视角

介绍

牙科医生中职业健康状况的患病率很高，本研究调查了职业健康在牙科培训中的作用。

目的/目标

本研究旨在探索职业健康，并确定从职业健康角度纳入牙科课程的主题。

方法

进行了一项描述性定性研究，以从南非夸祖鲁纳塔尔省的职业健康角度探讨牙科医生、牙科学者、物理治疗师、职业治疗师、职业健康专家、人体工程学师、验光师和听力学家对牙科培训的看法。本研究采用跨学科和多学科方法。

结果

三个主要主题变得明显，这取决于对牙科实践的职业健康相关条件的不同理解，从业者如何在资源匮乏的环境中体验实践及其对牙科实践的影响。还缺乏对职业健康政策和实践的认识，这可以为安全的牙科实践提供信息。

结论

牙科学者应该从多学科团队中获得意见。以学生为中心的职业健康课程将丰富牙科课程，并使牙科医生更加了解职业健康问题。