Analyzing The Occupational Exposure Risks of Dental Healthcare Workers from The Perspective of Repeated Occupational Exposure

Background Healthcare workers in dental hospitals frequently experience repeated occupational exposures (ROEs). In our study, we aim to analyze these repeated exposures among dental healthcare workers (DHWs), assess the risk levels of different risk factors, and explore the significance of ROE data for infection control in dental hospitals. Methods Based on hospital statistical data, we categorized the occupational exposure incidents at West China Hospital of Stomatology over the past seven years into initial and repeated exposures. We analyzed the association of various risk factors, including gender, personnel types, treatment locations, timing of occupational exposure, and pathways of occupational exposure, with the occurrence of repeated exposures. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21 was used to conduct chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results Compared to students, hospital dentists with teaching qualifications exhibited a higher risk of ROEs. The risk of repeated exposure for dental students was only 0.4 times that of hospital dentists (P=0.003). However, gender, treatment locations, timing of occupational exposure, and pathways of occupational exposure did not significantly impact the repeated exposures among DHWs. Conclusions Analyzing ROEs provides practical insights. In dental teaching hospitals, hospital dentists with teaching qualifications, who are often considered experienced, have the highest risk of ROEs. This suggests that the focus of educational efforts should be directed towards this kind of DHWs.