Showing papers on "Dental laboratory published in 2020"

Noise-induced hearing loss in the military dental setting: a UK legislative perspective.

Abstract: Introduction Health professionals working in the dental environment are potentially at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to the use of clinical and laboratory equipment. Workplaces engaging in the practice of dentistry within the UK are subject to legislation from the Control of Noise at Work (CNW) regulations 2005. Clinicians working in the military are at further increased risk of NIHL due to exposure from additional risk factors such as rifles or aircraft engines. To our knowledge, no authors have previously studied the noise levels experienced in a military dental setting or compared noise levels in a typical dental practice with current UK legislation. Method Measurements of noise levels experienced by a dentist, dental nurse and dental hygienist during a standard conservation procedure were assessed using wearable noise dose-badges. Furthermore, noise levels within a dental technician’s work space were also assessed. Noise levels produced by representative clinical and laboratory equipment were assessed and compared with CNW legislation. Results The highest level for clinical equipment was produced by the suction apparatus while aspirating up a cup of water at 76 dB. For laboratory equipment, the lower exposure action value (LEAV) of 80 dB would be exceeded in 2.1 hours’ use of the trimmer, 3.6 hours’ use of the vibrating table and 9 min use of the airline. Conclusions Noise levels experienced by clinicians within the dental surgery were well below the legislative LEAV thresholds for both peak and continuous noise. However, noise levels produced by laboratory equipment were far higher and there is clearly the potential for excessive noise exposure for dental professional in the everyday setting. Dental professionals responsible for dental laboratory settings must be familiar with the CNW regulations and measures put in place that control the inadvertent breach of legislation. Hearing protection must be mandated when using equipment that exceeds the LEAV and an educational programme is required to explain both their correct use and the rationale behind it. Methods of mitigating that risk further require exploration such as alternative methods of completing the tasks performed by the airline or reducing the noise generated by it, such as by reducing the supply pressure or using an alternative nozzle design.

A study on the possession state of dental CAD/CAM system and usage satisfaction

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status and satisfaction of dental CAD/CAM system. Methods: A survey of dental technicians was conducted and a total of 353 responses were used for analysis. The satisfaction difference according to career was analyzed by ANOVA and tukey HSD (α = .05). Results: Satisfaction with the design program was 3.64 ± .86, the highest among all items. On the other hand, the satisfaction with price was 2.75 ± 1.02, which was the lowest. The difference according to career was statistically significant in the following items. Frequent breakdown, single crown margin, bridge crown margin, retentivity, price, A/S, equipment training (p<.05). Conclusion: As the materials applied to dental CAD/CAM are expanding and the types of prostheses are diversified, the use rate of CAD/CAM is continuously increasing. The dental CAD/CAM system will need to be improved in a way that will satisfy all patients, dentists and dental technicians.

Knowledge and practices about sterilization and disinfection.

Abstract: Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices employed for infection control in dental laboratories. Materials and Methods: A preformed questionnaire comprised of 16 questions related to infection control measures was prepared. This questionnaire based survey was then conducted among dental technicians of 60 dental colleges in East India. Data were then recorded and analyzed. Results: Majority of impressions/prosthesis were carried in plastic bags (93.8%) by laboratory attendants to the laboratory. The responses revealed that majority of impressions were received after wearing gloves (54.6%) from dental attendant. Majority of dental technicians (78.1%) admitted in their responses that they are not aware of infection control measures taken in dental laboratory. Only 32.8% technicians were found to practice disinfection procedure after receiving impression/prosthesis in laboratory from dental operatory. Among protective wears, 70.3%, 95.3%, 32.8%, and 92.2% technicians were found to use gloves, Apron, eye shield, and face mask, respectively. Among all respondents, 59.3% were found to be vaccinated for hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge and motivation among dental technician to practice infection control measures in dental laboratories of dental institutes in North India.

Respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace among dental laboratory technicians.

Abstract: Background As dental technicians are exposed to a variety of airborne chemicals that can act as irritants and sensitizers, and may give rise to work-related respiratory symptoms, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms of exposure to substances in the workplace and associated risk factors in dental laboratory technicians. Material and methods A cross-sectional study was performed among 539 dental technicians in the Plovdiv region using a self-report questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in order to investigate the relationship between sex, work experience, daily exposure to chemicals from the dental environment, and a history of atopic disorder with work-related respiratory symptoms. Results A total of 539 dental technicians completed the questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported work-related respiratory symptoms was 26.2%. Based on logistic regression, the most significant factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms were daily exposure of >8 h (the odds ratio [OR] = 5.83, the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-17.34) and the lack of a ventilation system (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 2.39-7.58). Dental technicians with work experience of 20 years. A personal history of asthma (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 1.39-10.07), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.29-3.41) and atopic dermatitis (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.23-4.38) was also associated with work-related respiratory symptoms. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that work-related respiratory symptoms are frequent among dental technicians and occur early in their career. A more comprehensive study should be conducted throughout the country in order to estimate the prevalence, and to establish effective programs and techniques of preventing work-related respiratory symptoms in dental technicians. Med Pr. 2021;72(2).

Creating high-end esthetic results in implantology using a digital workflow and interdisciplinary planning - from a master technician viewpoint.

Abstract: This article outlines the prosthetic concepts in the management of implants in the esthetic zone with a view to achieving optimal long-term esthetics and stability. The emphasis is on the understanding and application of the biologic factors and dental technology that influence treatment outcomes. The authors examine the exciting new world of digitalization of dental procedures that has transformed esthetic dentistry, dental technology, and surgery. The digital workflow makes it possible to attain excellence in many kinds of dental restorations, providing high quality while maintaining a very natural-looking appearance. The newest developments in the field of digital systems allow for greater predictability and precision of results as well as more accuracy, which in turn allows for better design quality. The duration of dental treatment and dental technology has also been reduced due to digitalization. Transitioning from an analog to a digital workflow requires a paradigm shift. The techniques to improve the daily workflow in practice and in the dental laboratory integrate advanced CAD/CAM technologies, combining 3D-printed models and high-end esthetic dental restorations in ceramics. An interdisciplinary approach, detailed in this article, is key to optimal case management.

A study to assess communication hindrances by the means of work authorization for fixed dental prosthesis: A survey

Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the hindrances in communication between the prosthodontic office and the laboratory technicians through work authorization. Setting and Design: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out to assess communication gap between dentist and lab technicians through work authorization for FDPs. Materials and Methods: A total of 114 dental laboratory technicians were provided with a questionnaire regarding work authorization form via Google doc files. The survey focused questions pertaining to fulfilling the following areas of work authorization: patient's information, name of the prescribing dentist, material for the prosthesis, pontic design of the prosthesis, shade description, and date of completion of work. Statistical Analysis Used: The number of responses received was statistically evaluated using Fisher's t-test and nonparametric Spearman's correlation coefficient (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Eighty-five (74.5%) out of 114 laboratory technicians surveyed responded to the questionnaire. The patient's general information was satisfactorily filled in 75%–100% of the forms. Information regarding the pontic design, staining diagram, and preferred margin were on the lower side of the scale ranging between 25% and 50%. Conclusions: The survey concluded that areas of work authorization with respect to fixed dental prosthesis require attention and need to be adequately filled by the dentist. In addition, the study suggests that the foundation of communication skill training programs in work authorization should be laid from the undergraduate curriculum. The concerned authorized bodies/specialty organizations should formulate a standardized work authorization format which can bridge the wide gap between the crown and bridge office and laboratory.

System for providing a matching platform for designers and dental laboratories for dental prosthesis design

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for providing a matching platform for designers and dental laboratories for a dental prosthesis design includes: a member registration module receiving designer information from a designer terminal and company information from a dental laboratory terminal, respectively; an uploading module which receives work information, which is a need for manufacturing a dental prosthesis from the dental laboratory terminal; a matching module which provides recommendation information to the designer terminal and the laboratory terminal by comparing the designer information, the company information of the dental laboratory terminal, and the work information; a design providing module providing a prosthesis design produced by the designer terminal which has accepted the work information to the dental laboratory terminal; and a payment agency module for intermediary processing design cost paid from the laboratory terminal to the designer terminal which produced the prosthesis design.

Laboratory Technician Assessment of the Quality of Single-Unit Crown Preparations and Impressions as Predictors of the Clinical Acceptability of Crowns as Determined by the Treating Dentist: Findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Abstract: Purpose In-laboratory assessment by laboratory technicians may offer insight to increase clinical success of dental crowns, and research in this area is lacking. Materials and methods Dentists in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network enrolled patients in a study about single-unit crowns; laboratory technicians evaluated the quality of tooth preparations and impressions. The primary outcome for each crown was clinical acceptability (CAC), as judged by the treating dentist. A secondary outcome was "Goodness of Fit (GOF)," a composite score of several aspects of clinical fit, also judged by the study dentist. A mixed-effects logistic regression was used to analyze associations between laboratory technician ratings and the CAC and GOF. Results Dentists (n = 205) evaluated 3731 crowns. Technicians ranked the marginal detail of impressions as good or excellent in 92% of cases; other aspects of the impression were ranked good or excellent 88% of the time. Regarding tooth preparation, about 90% of preparations were considered adequate (neither excessive nor inadequate reduction). Factors associated with higher CAC were more preparation taper, and use of optical imaging. Factors associated with better GOF were higher impression quality, greater occlusal reduction, more preparation taper, and optical imaging. Conclusions Overall quality of preparations and impressions was very high, as evaluated by laboratory technicians. Several clinical parameters were associated with higher CAC and GOF. Clinicians who struggle with crown remakes might consider less conservative tooth preparation, as well as using digital impression technology.

Viability of the Digitalization of Dental Laboratory in Bacolod City

Abstract: Dentistry has evolved from its origin to the present day, becoming almost entirely digitized and supervised. The digitalized dental laboratory saves time due to computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology, which will capture and display clients' tooth or teeth and gums on a 3D image on a computer screen sent to the lab. It enables a dental lab technician to work faster and get the perfect design of the digital dental restoration. The main advantage of digitalization includes faster and improved efficiency on the turn-around time of devices, like crowns and bridges, and improved accuracy of procedures and manufactured gadgets. Digitalization Dental Laboratory (DDL) is the first to offer a digital dental lab in the city of Bacolod. The service allows laboratories to design the prosthesis digitally from in-house CAD software and email the design data provider or download the data file into a proprietary web host or server. The lab will cater to the digital needs of dental patients of the Multi-Specialty Dental Center (a sister company of DDL) and other dental clients.

Spirometric evaluation of pulmonary function in Yazd’s dental laboratory workers in 1398

Abstract: Introduction: Spirometry is used as a screening method for occupational lung diseases. Dental laboratory workers are exposed to solvent vapors, toxic gases, and dust from metal alloys, acrylics, and gypsum. This study aimed to investigate the spirometric function of lung function in dental staff in Yazd. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 37 technicians of dental laboratories in Yazd in the three months of spring 2017. To evaluate respiratory problems and their pulmonary function, standard respiratory and spirometry questionnaires according to ATS / ESR guidelines were used, respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18 using Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and Student's T-test. Results: Mean age of participants was 35.59±1.13. 54% of participants had no respiratory symptoms. The most common respiratory complain were dry and exudative cough. The work field was the only influential factor in FVC%. Age and work experience, and exercise no significant effect on respiratory parameters. Overall spirometry parameters were in the normal pattern range, and only 5% of participants showed a mild restrictive pattern. Conclusion: Spirometric pulmonary function of Yazd'dental laboratory technicians was in the normal range, and possibly working in the dental laboratory did not have a significant effect on the pulmonary Function of technicians based on spirometric indices.

Method and apparatus for forming a model of a dental arch

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide for the fabrication of an accurate dental arch stone replica of a full human dental arch quickly and easily which can be readily mounted on a dental articulator. The apparatus and method create a way to overcome the inability to pour thick flowable pre-set dental stone into a rubbery dental arch negative mold without distortion and while under a constant vacuum. The apparatus and method eliminate the entrapment of air bubbles throughout the pre-set stone mixture as further eliminate entrapped bubbles along the surface of the hardened dental arch stone replica. The apparatus and method can be used by individuals with little to no formal training to quickly and consistently produce bubble free dental stone models of human dental arches which are ready to be mounted on at least one type of dental articulator, obviating the need for dental laboratory stone trimming.