Self-reported and measured time of vibration exposure at ultrasonic scaling in dental hygienists

Abstract

In the present study, our objective was to quantify the daily duration of vibration exposure from ultrasonic scaling in dental hygienists and to compare different methods of self-estimates to time-recorded measurements. The exposure time was self-estimated by use of diary and interview methods in 10 subjects. We found that the measured total daily exposure time was limited, only on average 12 min, with a great variation, however, between and within the subjects. Self-assessed duration of exposure was overestimated, on average three times higher with a diary and even more at an interview (8 times). In conclusion, the objectively measured exposure time was short and clearly overestimated in self-reports.