Investigation of the Change in the Acoustic Condition of General Dental Offices in Isfahan City, Iran, Between 2001 and 2023 Publisher



Radanipoor H ; Rismanchian M ; Shayan S ; Rismanchian M
Source: Journal of Health System Research Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Occupational health is a multidisciplinary field in which various hazardous factors present in work environments are addressed with the aim of protecting and enhancing workers' health. One such factor is exposure to noise, defined as unwanted sound, which can lead to several health issues including hearing loss, cardiovascular stimulation, stimulation of endocrine glands (adrenal glands, pituitary gland), suppression of the immune system, and sleep disturbances. The dental profession is particularly susceptible to noise-related health problems, making it essential to examine the changes in the acoustic conditions of dental offices over time. This study investigates the acoustic condition changes in general dental offices in Isfahan City, Iran, between 2001 and 2023. Methods: This observational-analytical study utilized a cross-sectional design with data collected in 2001 and 2023 using a questionnaire. A total of 184 clinics were examined in 2001, and 250 clinics in 2023. Descriptive analysis employed numbers and percentages for qualitative data. An independent sample t-test was employed to investigate the relationship between data from 2001 and 2023. The statistical significance level for all tests in this study was set at P < 0.05. Findings: The sources of noise in dental offices included angle, turbine, compressor, and suction devices. In 2001, the most significant contributors to noise were turbine, compressor, and suction (54.6%), while in 2023, angle, turbine, and suction were the leading sources (58%). Comparative analysis of data from these two years revealed a substantial escalation in clinics experiencing interference in general conversations, rising from 10.9% to 34.8% (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, disruptions in dentist-patient communication also worsened, increasing from 23% to 37.2% (P = 0.002). Conversely, the reported impact on dental professionals' performance decreased from 35% to 20% (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The dental profession is exposed to various noise sources, which can potentially contribute to long-term hearing-related health issues, including occupational hearing loss. Moreover, the acoustic conditions within dental offices in Isfahan City have not demonstrated substantial improvement over time. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.