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Skin problems among Danish dental technicians. A cross-sectional study
A J Mürer1, O M Poulsen, J Roed-Petersen
1National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Contact Dermatitis
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Dental technicians experience high rates of hand skin problems, with no improvement over 10 years. Acrylate exposure increases risk, but glove use shows no protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Dermatology
- Dental Technology
- Public Health
Background:
- Skin problems on hands are common among dental technicians.
- Previous studies indicated high prevalence, necessitating updated data.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate changes in hand skin problem prevalence in dental technicians over 10 years.
- Investigate the association between acrylate work and skin issues.
- Assess the influence of glove use on skin problem prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional questionnaire study.
- 192 dental technicians participated.
- Utilized an expanded version of a 10-year-old Danish survey questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Cumulative prevalence of hand skin problems was 53%, 1-year prevalence was 43%, and point prevalence was 36%.
- Prevalence remains significantly higher than in the general population and unchanged from 10 years prior.
- Point prevalence of skin problems was 38% higher in those working with acrylates; glove use showed no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Hand skin problems persist among dental technicians at high rates.
- Acrylate exposure is a significant risk factor for hand dermatitis.
- Current glove use practices may not effectively mitigate skin problems in this occupational group.