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Self-reported occupational dermatological reactions among Danish dentists
E C Munksgaard1, E K Hansen, T Engen
1Department of Dental Materials, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. ECM@odont.ku.dk
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Danish dentists report significant occupational skin reactions, with hand washing, latex gloves, and dental materials being primary causes. This highlights a need for safer materials in dental practice.
Area of Science:
- Occupational dermatology
- Dental materials science
Background:
- Occupational dermatological reactions pose a significant health concern for dental professionals.
- Understanding the prevalence and causes is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and etiological factors of occupational dermatological reactions among Danish dentists.
- To identify specific agents responsible for skin reactions in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaires and telephone interviews to collect data from Danish dentists.
- Calculated point prevalence and 1-year period prevalence of reported skin reactions.
Main Results:
- 37.8% of dentists reported skin reactions; 27.2% were occupation-related.
- Key causes included hand washing/soaps (7.1%), latex gloves (1.3%), and (di)methacrylate materials (1.7%).
- Estimated allergic latex eczema prevalence may exceed 2%, and methacrylate-related eczema nearly 2%.
Conclusions:
- Occupational skin reactions are prevalent among Danish dentists.
- Hand hygiene products, latex, and dental materials are significant contributors.
- Development of safer dental materials is urgently needed to mitigate these reactions.