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Pulmonary Function Testing in Dentists Versus Controls: A Pilot Study Exploring the Potential Respiratory-Related
Maricel Dela Cruz1, Muhammed Ershad, Ahmed Mostafa
1Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dentists show reduced lung function, with lower percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) compared to controls. Further research is needed on occupational respiratory hazards in dentistry.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Pulmonary medicine
- Dental public health
Background:
- Limited research exists on respiratory occupational hazards in the US dental field.
- Understanding the impact of dental practice on lung health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the pulmonary function of dentists against a control group.
- To identify potential respiratory risks associated with the dental profession.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- Pulmonary function was assessed using measurements of percent predicted FEV1 (FEV1%), percent predicted FVC (FVC%), and the FEV1/FVC ratio.
Main Results:
- Dentists exhibited significantly lower percent predicted FEV1% and FVC% compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- A higher prevalence of abnormal FVC% and FEV1% was observed in dentists, with abnormal FEV1% approaching statistical significance.
Conclusions:
- The dental profession is associated with diminished pulmonary function, specifically lower FVC% and FEV1% values.
- Further investigation is warranted to explore the link between dentistry and pulmonary function deficits.
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