Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2016.55.02.17

Occupational contact dermatitis amongst dentists and dental technicians

Liborija Lugović-Mihić orcid.org/0000-0001-7494-5742 ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Ferček ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Duvančić orcid.org/0000-0002-6121-3232 ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Vedrana Bulat ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Josip Ježovita ; Department of Sociology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Gaby Novak-Bilić ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Mirna Šitum ; Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Since the working medical personnel including dentists and dental technicians mainly use their hands, it is understandable that the most common occupational disease amongst medical personnel is contact dermatitis (CD) (80%-90% of cases). Development of occupational CD
is caused by contact of the skin with various substances in occupational environment. Occupational etiologic factors for dental personnel are foremost reactions to gloves containing latex, followed by various dental materials (e.g., metals, acrylates), detergents, lubricants, solvents, chemicals, etc. Since occupational CD is relatively common in dental personnel, its timely recognition, treatment and
taking preventive measures is needed. Achieving skin protection at exposed workplaces is of special importance, as well as implementing necessary measures consequently and sufficiently, which is sometimes difficult to achieve. Various studies have shown the benefit of applying preventive measures, such as numerous protocols for reducing and managing latex sensitivity and other forms of CD in dentistry. Active involvement of physicians within the health care system, primarily dermatologists, occupational medicine specialists and general medicine doctors is needed for establishing an accurate
medical diagnosis and confirmation of occupational skin disease.

Keywords

Dermatitis, contact; Dermatitis, occupational; Dentists; Dental auxiliaries; Hypersensitivity

Hrčak ID:

164876

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/164876

Publication date:

1.6.2016.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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