An assessment of awareness and self-report about occupation-related health problems among dental laboratory technicians in Turkey

• Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and self-report occupational health problems among dental technicians in Izmir, Turkey. • Material and Method: A total of 185 dental technicians, 27 women (mean age 25.1±3.87), and 158 men (mean age 30.2±7.89) were included. In the first set of self-administered questionnaire forms prepared, demographic data, working profile and use of protection material were recorded. In the second set, awareness, occupational-related health complaints and perception of general health status were determined. • Results: Mean age was 29.5 years (±7.65) and mean duration of dental work was 12.2 years (±8.10). The prevalence of self-reported occupational-related health complaints according to systems were; musculoskeletal (23.8%), dermal (11.9%), respiratory (10.3%), eye (8.6%), and hearing (6.5%) problems. There was no gender prevalence as regards to health complaints, perception of general health status and awareness (p>0.05). The relationship between perception of general health status and self-reported occupational health problems was observed to be significant as regards to dermal (p=0.006) and respiratory systems (p=0.001). The relationship between awareness and education was significant in that the awareness in the university-educated subjects was higher (p=0.045). • Conclusion: Increasing the awareness and training about health complaints should be covered in seminars during and after education.