Oral Health Management of Three Head and Neck Cancer Patients Performed by Dental Hygienists

Introduction: Oral health management is often difficult in patients after surgical tumor resection and/or radiotherapy due to defects, bulky flaps, limitation of tongue movement, and trismus. In addition, patients who have undergone radiotherapy have serious disabilities such as oral mucositis, mucosal weakening, soft tissue fibrosis, salivary gland disorder, and osteoradionecrosis. Dental hygienists must understand the characteristics of patients after surgical tumor resection and/or radiotherapy. In this report, the oral health management of three patients after maxillectomy, mandibulectomy, and radiotherapy was shown. Case Description: Case 1: A 53-year-old male patient visited our clinic after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and partial maxillectomy for cancer of the right maxillary gingiva. Case 2: A 65-year-old male patient visited our clinic after radiotherapy for a right-sided tongue cancer, partial mandibulectomy of the right tongue to the oropharynx, a right-sided segmental mandibulectomy and a speech aid and a mandibular prosthesis were provided. Case 3: A 36-year-old female visited our clinic for radiotherapy for left-sided tongue cancer. Dental hygienists provided oral health management to the patients. In oral health management, it was suggested that intervention before cancer treatment, oral hygiene instructions tailored to patients’ symptoms, and frequent professional care are important. Conclusion: Oral health management by dental hygienists is extremely important for patients undergoing maxillofacial cancer treatment to maintain their quality of life in the long term.

Risk of Upper Extremity Biomechanical Overload in Automotive Facility

Objective To assess the risk factors for upper extremity-work-related musculoskeletal disorders（UE-WMSD） on 13 prod ucti on lines in an airbag factory using the threshold limit values-American conference of industrial hygienists-hand activity level（TLV-ACGIH-HAL） method and introduce the ergonomic improvement to reduce the repe titi veness and the peak force（Pf）.Methods Professional exposure level on 13 production lines in a automobile factory was measured using the TLV-ACGIH-HAL method and a further risk was assessed according to the ergonomic improvement.Results The first assessment of 9 produc tion lines showed that the professional exposure level was above the TLV or HAL limit.The second assessment showed that the professional exposure level was below the AL limit on all production lines except 1,in which the professional exposure level was between TLV and HAL.Conclusion The assessment of UE-WMSD-related risk can ide ntif y the riskiest emplacements and evaluate the reduc tion of risk in professional exposure through interventi ons of structuralorganizati onal type.

Comparative ergonomic evaluation of the hand-pieces of three instrument series for root planning

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most frequent cause of disability in the working population, exceeding accidental trauma in frequency. The risk of developing work-related upper limb disorders (WURLDs) is high among dental hygienists and the most frequently affected are elderly subjects and women. Since such disorders can have a negative effect on the working life and on the quality of life, it is of vital importance to put in place preventive measures. Aim: To make a comparative analysis of the hand-pieces of three different manual instruments used for root planning. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the physical characteristics (section, diameter, external surface, weight) of the hand-pieces of three series of instruments for root planning, twenty-nine dental hygienists students were videoed while working clinically. They were also interviewed using a specific questionnaire to determine subjective preferences in terms of perceived efficacy, safety, comfort and general acceptability of the hand-piece used. Results: Lightness, full-cylindrical section with larger-diameter ends, and coating with anti-slip silicone are the most appreciated characteristics of a hand-piece. Conclusions: Ergonomic analyses of manual instruments are not frequent in the dental field, and the literature reports no guidelines to guide selection of the type of hand-piece of manual instruments. The data gathered may help manufacturers in designing new manual instruments, and guiding professionals in their selection.