A Survey of Aerosol-Related Symptoms in Dental Hygienists

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Abstract
Dental hygienists, who often use aerosol generating instruments, may suffer more frequently from symptoms that could be attributed to their work environment compared with other health care personnel. To determine whether dental hygienists suffer more frequently from such symptoms a questionnaire designed to assess the prevalence of symptoms relating to disease of the upper and lower respiratory tract, skin and eyes, smoking habits and atopic disease was circulated to hygienists working mainly in the West Midlands. It also included questions on the frequency of use of the air-turbine and the ultrasonic scaler and wearing of face masks and eye-glasses. An identical questionnaire was sent to a control group consisting of age, sex and locality matched administrative and clerical staff working in a hospital environment. There was significantly greater prevalence of nasal irritation (PPPPPPP<0·001) than a group of nurses working in general hospitals.

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