Rapid increase in skin problems among dental technician trainees working with acrylates

A panel of trainees at The Danish School of Dental Technicians was asked to fill in questionnaires 2X a year, to elucidate whether the prevalence of skin problems on their hands increased during the study and to compare the results to the general population. At the beginning of the study, trainees had a prevalence of skin problems not statistically significantly different from that in the general population. 8 months later, an increase of 23% in the prevalence was observed. Compared to the general population the standardized prevalence ratio (SPR) increased to 4.78, and compared to dental technicians at work, an SPR of 0.71 was found after 1 year of study. Very few trainees experienced relief in symptoms during the 1st year of study (5%), whereas 33% developed worse symptoms. The results demonstrate that trainees shortly after beginning their education have the same very high magnitude of skin problems as dental technicians at work. Trainees were exposed to acrylates more extensively than dental technicians. It is far from acceptable that this educational experience involves such a great risk to individuals with no experience or knowledge of the hazards of their occupational environment. Preventive actions are called for, e.g., increased use of encapsulated systems, use of gloves with a well documented protective effect and mandatory courses on the hazardous effects of dental materials.