407 - Occupational Noise Exposure in a South Jersey Pediatric Dental Setting

Purpose: A cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the noise levels in various treatment settings at a pediatric dental residency outpatient clinic and its potential for harmful exposure.

Methods: Sound level meters will be used to measure sound intensity in decibels, throughout different treatment settings where noise levels typically vary and will record data every 30 seconds. These settings will include private operative treatment rooms, private  exam rooms, sedation rooms, and open hygiene bay. Sound level meter is set to an A-weighted decibel filter, considered standard for occupational health studies given that it adjusts decibels to the frequencies perceived by the human ear. The sound level meter will be positioned within a reproducible position of 2 feet in diameter of the operator's head in order to properly assess noise exposure. Measurements will be taken for six days with two clinical sessions, the morning session from 8 am- 12:30 pm and afternoon session from 1:30 pm- 4:30 pm in each setting. Once data is obtained it will be used to model an average day of noise exposure for any given resident.

Results: Final data pending. Statistical comparisons will be drawn among each setting and against OSHA maximum time-weighted averages.

Conclusion: Final data pending

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research is supported by Cooper University Hospital.