PP-162 Occupational infectious hazards to dental staff

Occupational Health Problems among Dentists in Croatia

“…Compared to other health related professions, dental profession is considered to be among the most hazardous professions (3)(4)(5). Health risks and hazards in dentistry can be classified as biological, biomechanical, physical, chemical and psychological (6,7).…”

Occupational Contact Dermatitis Amongst Dentists and Dental Technicians

“…Latex that is used for glove manufacturing is extracted from the plant Hevea brasiliensis which contains certain strong allergens, but also important are the chemicals used for the manufacture and sterilization of gloves, which can also act as contact allergens 20 . Th e etiology of hypersensitivity to latex is based on the reaction to the plant that contains natural rubber protein allergens and on reactions that may cause IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity (which may be severe and only exceptionally fatal) and type IV hypersensitivity (development of CD) 7 . Global reports on the occurrence of allergy to latex gloves in general population vary from 6% to 12%, and in medical workers from 3% to 22% 19,21,22 .…”

“…Th e results showed that 6.2% of participants were positive to type I hypersensitivity to latex. Subsequent research showed a decline in the incidence from 8.5% to 4.3%, which was related to using latex gloves of better quality with lesser amounts of allergens 7,21,27,28 . A study performed in Great Britain on the side eff ects of latex gloves among dentists revealed that the majority of allergies to latex could be controlled by self-medication, prescribed therapy and/or changing to other types of gloves 29 .…”

“…Th us, various federal agencies have displayed rules and recommendations about product selection, work procedures for risk reduction, staff education and follow up of allergy symptoms (i.e. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) 7 . FDA therefore requires all medical/dental products that contain latex to be clearly labeled as to "contain latex" 7 .…”

“…Overall, CD depends on the nature of work, working environment, condition of the skin prior to development of skin lesions, nature of substance(s) used in the work process, usage of protective clothing and equipment, exacerbation of skin lesions during work and their remission during longer periods of abstinence from work, as well as the success of previous therapies 6 . Occupational etiologic factors for dental staff are fi rst and foremost reactions to gloves containing latex, followed by various dental materials, detergents, lubricants, solvents and chemicals 7 . Th e main cause for the occurrence of CD is contact of the skin with irritants and/or allergens, which leads to non-allergic (irritant or toxic) or allergic CD.…”