Environmental maintenance

Question 1

Heating

Answer 1

higher temperatures may increase the risk to patients and staff of feeling unwell and may make a patient haemorrhage during a dental surgical procedure. In addition to this, high temperatures increase the likelihood of mercury vapour in the environment as well as reduce the setting time of materials. lower temperature may also be an uncomfortable working environment as well as increase dental material’s setting time. The lower limit is 16 degrees Celsius should be adhered to by all dental practices

Question 2

Lighting

Answer 2

poor lighting can compromise the staff’s ability to work in dental procedures and can also result in occupational injury. bright lighting may cause eye strain for the operator and the dental nursing, meaning it may compromise the ability to carry out dental procedures.

Question 3

Ventilation and humidity

Answer 3

poor ventilation may result in an uncomfortable and stuffy work environment as concentration levels may decrease which may lead to injury. It may also allow vapours to gather more easily and this is a better environment for bacteria. increased airflow may result in airborne contaminates and the spreading of aerosols. high humidity can reflect an uncomfortable and hot environment for all parties as well as dramatically affect the setting or some dental materials.