Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDental Research Journal1735-33279120120218Occupational hazards to dental staff887887ENJamshidAyatollahiFatemahAyatollahiAliMellat ArdekaniDepartments of Neurology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. ali_mellat@ssu.ac.irRezvanBahrololoomiJahangirAyatollahiAliAyatollahiMohammad BagherOwlia20120218Dental professionals are predisposed to a number of occupational hazards. These include exposureto infections (including Human Immunodeficiency Virus and viral hepatitis); percutaneous exposureincidents, dental materials, radiation, and noise; musculoskeletal disorders; psychological problemsand dermatitis; respiratory disorders; and eye insults. Percutaneous exposure incidents remain amain concern, as exposure to serious infectious agents is a virtual risk. Minimizing percutaneousexposure incidents and their consequences should continue to be considered, including soundinfection control practices, continuing education, and hepatitis B vaccination. Basically, for anyinfection control strategies, dentists should be aware of individual protective measures andappropriate sterilization or other high-level disinfection utilities. Strained posture at work disturbsthe musculoskeletal alignment and leads to stooped spine. The stooped posture also involvedcertain groups of muscles and joints. This may lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Continuous educating and appropriate intervention studies are needed to reduce the complicationof these hazards. So, it is important for dentists to remain constantly up-to-date about measureson how to deal with newer strategies and dental materials, and implicates the need for specialmedical care for this professional group.Key Words: Dental staff, dentist, occupational disease