Occupational contact allergic dermatitis in dentistry

Abstract

Methacrylates serve as bases for acrylic resins which are used in prosthetics. Methyl methacrylate as a small molecular acrylate can permeate thin protective disposable gloves. Using adequate personal protective equipment, like nitrile rubber gloves, is the most important preventive measure in this occupation. Health practitioners should recognize possible occupational hazards in dentistry and implement appropriate preventive measures to protect health of workers.

Hand eczema among Lebanese dentists: An epidemiological study

“…[13][14][15][16] Methyl methacrylate, as a small molecular acrylate, can permeate thin protective disposable gloves; protective gloves are insufficient due to the permeability of natural rubber latex and vinyl gloves to these substances. [17][18][19][20][21] With the growing evolution of cosmetic dentistry, which exposes dental workers to resins, bleaches and adhesives, composed of acrylic-and methacrylic-based materials that can cause hand eczema, more dentists are exposed to methyl methacrylate. 3,5 Previous studies in Serbia 17 and in Valencia, Spain, 22 reported that 5-25% of dental personnel might be sensitized to methyl methacrylate, while our study revealed that 2.5% (n = 8) developed this type of allergy.…”

“…[17][18][19][20][21] With the growing evolution of cosmetic dentistry, which exposes dental workers to resins, bleaches and adhesives, composed of acrylic-and methacrylic-based materials that can cause hand eczema, more dentists are exposed to methyl methacrylate. 3,5 Previous studies in Serbia 17 and in Valencia, Spain, 22 reported that 5-25% of dental personnel might be sensitized to methyl methacrylate, while our study revealed that 2.5% (n = 8) developed this type of allergy. Since most of the Lebanese dentists send acrylic work to prosthetics technicians (e.g., temporary crowns, dentures, etc.…”

“…27 Dentists with known NRL protein hypersensitivity should use only non-latex (nitrile) gloves and should undertake proper hand care in the form of topical moisturizers and corticosteroid-or antihistaminecontaining ointments, which is why the usage of nitrile gloves is the most important preventive measure in the dental occupation. 17,28 To prevent hand eczema caused by methyl methacrylates, it is important to develop no-touch techniques to avoid skin exposure to these chemicals. 29 Additionally, protection can be improved using nitrile rubber gloves or double gloving to prevent small molecular acrylates from permeating the gloves;in this manner, direct skin contact could be avoided.…”

Allergènes en chirurgie bucco-dentaire

“…Il en résulte des cas de plus en plus nombreux de dermatites de contact aiguës qui répondent la plupart du temps à un mécanisme allergique plutôt que d'irritation [27,51].…”

“…Un cas d'eczéma de contact est survenu après la prise d'une empreinte avec un polyéther (Impregum®) se traduisant par des ulcérations superficielles recouvertes d'un enduit fibrinoleucocytaire et d'un érythème avec des érosions intéressant peu la fibro-muqueuse mais surtout la muqueuse libre [51].…”