• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.181-188
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• 2022

In this paper, we proposed of the results of the noise level and appropriate conversation distance by applying the noise characteristics generated during treatment at a dental clinic to the NR-curve and PSIL. As a result of analyzing the noise characteristics during treatment at a dental clinic, it was analyzed that the noise level exceeded 60dB(A), which is the health preservation limit value caused by noise, and the noise level increased as the frequency increased. the result of evaluation applying it to the NR curve, some treatment exceeded the workplace noise standard, and as a result of analyzing the level of conversational disturbance between the worker and the patient, it is desirable to have the conversation at a distance of less than 1M for accurate communication. In order to improve the quality of medical service in dental clinic and to reduce dental fear, it is judged that soundproofing protective equipment is provided to workers, and soundproofing measures are needed for noise sources (treatment devices used in treatment) and sound sources (patients and workers).

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.137-142
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the improvement of indoor air quality management in dental clinic by investigating the level of indoor air quality recognition among dental clinic workers. The questionnaire survey was conducted for about 4 weeks from May 20 to June 20, 2018 in dental clinics located in Jeollanamdo area and 143 were used as the analysis data. The method of indoor air quality management in dental clinic was preferred to "natural ventilation" method and the number of natural ventilation was 1 to 2 times per day and the results of survey on indoor environment satisfaction showed that satisfaction level was lowest in noise and smell items. The types of subjective symptoms experienced by workers working at dental clinics are "cough", "eye burn", and "headache" and a survey on the degree of the relationship between subjective symptoms and indoor air quality showed that 94.4% (135) of respondents answered "very relevant" and "slightly related". As a result of multiple regression analysis, the variables affecting the indoor air quality satisfaction of the dental clinic staff were analyzed as the items such as lighting, noise, main work, number of patients, comparing indoor and outdoor air quality and among them, "comparing indoor and outdoor air quality" was analyzed as having a great influence. To improve the indoor air quality satisfaction of dental clinic worker adequate ventilation, designate the person responsible for the indoor air quality management and periodic measurement efforts will be necessary.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.348-354
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• 2011

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Dental School of Prince of Songkla University to ascertain noise exposure of dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians. A noise spectral analysis was taken to illustrate the spectra of dental devices. Methods: A noise evaluation was performed to measure the noise level at dental clinics and one dental laboratory from May to December 2010. Noise spectral data of dental devices were taken during dental practices at the dental services clinic and at the dental laboratory. A noise dosimeter was set following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria and then attached to the subjects' collar to record personal noise dose exposure during working periods. Results: The peaks of the noise spectrum of dental instruments were at 1,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz which depended on the type of instrument. The differences in working areas and job positions had an influence on the level of noise exposure (p < 0.01). Noise measurement in the personal hearing zone found that the laboratory technicians were exposed to the highest impulsive noise levels (137.1 dBC). The dentists and dental assistants who worked at a pedodontic clinic had the highest percent noise dose (4.60 ${\pm}$ 3.59%). In the working areas, the 8-hour time-weighted average of noise levels ranged between 49.7-58.1 dBA while the noisiest working area was the dental laboratory. Conclusion: Dental personnel are exposed to noise intensities lower than occupational exposure limits. Therefore, these dental personnel may not experience a noise-induced hearing loss.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.23 no.12
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• pp.163-170
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of noise from dental clinics on workers and to establish a reduction plan. The noise generated by the treatment instrument(Ultrasonic scaler, Hand piece, 3-way syringe, Suction, Compressor) was measured in order to determine the characteristics(level, frequency) of the noise during medical treatment(Oral prophylaxis, Conservation treatment, Prosthesis treatment, Implant Scaling, Tooth eliminating). We also assessed the noise levels in dental clinic using evaluation indicators such as NR-curves and NRN. The results of the analysis showed that the noise generated during the treatment was 85dB(A) ~ 70dB(A) and that the high frequency component was dominant, which would affect the workers working at the dental clinic. The NR-curve analysis showed NR-67 to NR-83 and the high frequency components of 4kHz to 8kHz were predominant and far exceeded noise levels in the workplace. To minimize the noise damage of workers and to provide high quality medical service, it is necessary to establish countermeasures such as wearing a soundproof and periodic hearing tests.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1123-1128
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• 2009

Noise radiated from medical treatment at dental clinic will affect the patients. On such point of view, We investigated the noise characteristics in case of medical treatment (scaling, tooth eliminating) and non-medical examination (idling) and also evaluated the degree of indoor noise using the evaluation index such as PSIL, NRN and made up a questionnaire about the reactions to noise. As a result of noise evaluation, it shows that the range of noise level is 67.7~78.3 dB(A) and frequency is very high (above 4 k Hz) and respondents are affected by noise (unpleasantness, hesitation to visit dental clinic, shivering with noise, being astonishment). Analysis by PSIL showed that it was no problem to conversation between worker and patient. But it exceeded the noise permit level in working space by NR-curve. To relieve a fear of noise in patients, they are considered to offer the ear protection, choose the low noisevibration equipment and use the masking effect. They are of great advantage to dental clinics to i prove dental service and competitiveness.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.453-459
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• 2009

The purposes of this research were to evaluate the relationships of between characteristics of noise and annoyance of dental hygienist by noise in dental clinic. To investigate the dental clinic workers' reactions to noise when occurred in dental clinic, the noise level test in dental clinic and questionnaire were taken. As a result of noise evaluation, It shows that the range of noise level was 67.7~78.3dB(A) and frequency was very high (more than 4KHz). It's seem to be begins occurrence of stamina-loss, contraction of peripheral blood vessel, decrease of adrenocortical hormones. Most of respondents were affected by noise: 67% of respondents were nervous about noise and the rest of respondents were bearable. Analysis by NR-curve showed that it was exceed the noise permit level in working space. As a result of correlation - test, the more exposed dental hygienist to noise, the more felt the unpleasantness and fatigue. It's hard to sufficient explanation to patients about the dental treatment. So it's thoughts that insufficient explanation will negative impact on the patients' satisfaction and increase competitiveness in dental clinics. To remedy a unpleasantness and fatigue of noise in dental hygienist, it's considered that making an offer the ear protection and choosing the low noise-vib. equipment and using the masking effect. Therefore, It can be provide a pleasant working environment with dental hygienist and It will have a great advantage to dental clinics to improve their competitiveness.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2015

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between noise awareness, hearing ability, and dental hygiene performance in dental hygienists. Methods: The subjects were 234 dental hygienists in Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon. The questionnaire consisted of 3 questions of general characteristics of the subjects, 1 question of noise awareness, 3 questions of hearing ability, 5 questions of dental hygiene performance, 1 question of noise reduction necessity, and 2 questions of noise control. Noise awareness, dental hygiene performance, and noise reduction necessity were measured by Likert 5 scale. Cronbach's alpha was 0.825 in dental hygiene performance reliability. Results: There was a significant difference in noise recognition by age(p<0.01) and working career(p<0.05). Those who pumped up the higher TV volume accounted for 31.6% and 3.0% had hearing impairment in the regular health checkup. 3.4% of the respondents complained of hearing loss, ear fluid, and equilibrium problem diagnosed by the doctors. The relationship between the type of workplace environment and task performance showed a significant difference. Those who work in the dental hospitals had high score of 3.43, while those who work in dental clinics had 3.20(p<0.05). The increased level of noise recognition affected the task performance and it is necessary to reduce the noise level. More try must be focused on the noise exposure prevention. Conclusions: In order to reduce the problems due to noise and improve their quality of life, it is necessary to change the noise recognition in the work place.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.209-220
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• 2021

The noise is defined as unwanted sound that causes discomfort and physical changes. This study was conducted to evaluate intensity of noise in the pediatric dental clinic and to investigate noise environment of a pediatric dentist. Human ear shaped microphone and mobile noise level meter were used for recording noise and calculating intensity of noise. By recording according to the method specified by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) of Korea Ministry of labor and employment, the following results were obtained. For 16 experimental days, 8 hour time weighted average (8hr-TWA) was 49.33 dBA (A-weighted deci-Bell) on daily average with maximum 58.54 dBA and minimum 33.97 dBA. And Dose was 0.49% on daily average with maximum 1.28%, minimum 0.04%. These values are less than criteria of KOSHA standard (85 dBA, 100%). Comparing the highest noise level for each patient, pulp therapy group and Frankel grade I group were the highest. The intensity of dental noise of pediatric dental clinic didn't meet standard of KOSHA. It is necessary to re-evaluate noise environment by establishing new standards considering environment of pediatric dental clinic.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2516-2523
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• 2013

Noise occurred when medical treatment in dental clinic will affect the patients. This study was measured the noise level and frequency in case of medical examination and also has evaluated the degree of indoor noise using the NR-curve, NRN and a distance to conversation between worker and patients using the PSIL. It shows that noise level was 69.3~81.5dB(A) and frequency was very high (more than 4K(Hz)) and analysis by NR-curve showed that it was exceed the noise permit level and distance to conversation was less than 1meter by PSIL. To remedy a fear of noise in patients and provide a conversational satisfaction, it's considered that choosing the low noise-vib. equipment, using the masking effect and set the room to explain. So It is possible to improve their competitiveness.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.603-611
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• 2015

This research is aimed at cutting off hearing loss and other harmful factors due to noise and providing basic material for noise reduction plan. As the research method, this research assessed noise by measuring acoustic pressure level and frequency in various situation of non-treatment and treatment. As the measurement result, average noise degree of high speed handpiece of non-treatment, ultrasonic waves scaler, and low speed handpiece showed 58~66 dB(A). Average noise degree of scaling of treatment, tooth elimination, and denture adjust showed 73~81 dB(A). The result is inferior to recognized standards of noise induced hearing loss. But the result of assessing this with (noise rating) NR curve was NR-73~78, which exceeded general workplace noise standard. This level can cause hearing loss when exposed to a long time. Therefore, treatment office noise during dental treatment can cause psychological and physical damage in dental clinic employees, and it is urgently required to establish systematic and active noise reduction plan.