Analysis of temperature and relative humidity distributions in a dental treatment room at a government health clinic in Malaysia

This study investigates the vertical distribution of temperature and relative humidity within dental treatment rooms at a Government Type 3 Health Clinic in Gial Perlis, Malaysia, addressing a significant gap in the literature regarding environmental conditions in dental healthcare settings. Precise measurements were conducted at four specific heights 0.3 m, 1.0 m, 1.7 m, and 2.7 m utilizing calibrated digital thermometers with hygrometers to capture accurate environmental data. The collected data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to assess the significance of variations across these levels. Results revealed statistically significant differences in both temperature and relative humidity (p < 0.05). At the uppermost level (2.7 m), the highest mean temperature of 22.1°C and a mean relative humidity of 68.2% were recorded, while the lowest level (0.3 m) exhibited the lowest mean temperature of 20.9°C and the highest mean relative humidity of 73.8%. Temperatures at the patient level (1.0 m and 1.7 m) averaged between 21.0 °C and 21.6°C, which is slightly below the optimal comfort range of 22°C to 26°C. These vertical gradients indicate that the existing HVAC systems may not be effectively regulating indoor conditions, potentially impacting patient comfort, the performance of temperature-sensitive dental materials, and the effectiveness of infection control measures due to altered aerosol behaviour. The findings underscore the necessity of optimizing HVAC designs to achieve uniform temperature and humidity distributions within dental treatment rooms. This research provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of tailored environmental management strategies to enhance patient comfort, procedural outcomes, and safety in dental healthcare settings.