Skip to main content

Occupational Exposures

  • Chapter

Abstract

Dental personnel are repeatedly exposed to non-set dental materials, which release higher amounts of substances than set materials. Compared to dental patients, dental personnel are generally regarded as being at higher risk for developing adverse reactions to dental materials. In this chapter the primary clinical material-related occupational problems are discussed, as well as strategies to prevent adverse effects from occurring. Problems associated with such strategies, e.g. the wearing of protective gloves, are also discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Dental mercury hygiene recommendations. J Am Dent Assoc 134, 1489–1499 (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  2. Allmers, H., Schmengler, J., Skudlik, C.: Primary prevention of natural rubber latex allergy in the German health care system through education and intervention. J Allergy Clin Immunol 110, 318–323 (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  3. Allmers, H., Brehler, R., Chen, Z., Raulf-Heimsoth, M., Fels, H., Baur, X.: Reduction of latex aeroallergens and latex specific IgE antibodies in sensitized workers after removal of powdered natural rubber latex gloves in a hospital. J Allergy Clin Immunol 102, 841–846 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Amin, A., Palenik, C.J., Cheung, S.W., Burke, F.T.J.: Latex exposure and allergy: a survey of general dental practitioners and dental students. Int Dent J 48, 77–83 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Andersen, K.E., Benesra, C., Burrows, D. et al.: Contact dermatitis. A review. Contact Dermatitis 16, 55–78 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  6. Andersson, I., Bornberger, S., Persson, B., Åkerstedt, K.: Tandteknikerprosjektet 1982/83. [The project on dental technicians 1982/83] Tannteknikeren 1984 53, 92–132 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  7. Andersson, T., Bruze, M., Björkner, B.: In vivo testing of the protection of gloves against acrylates in dentin-bonding systems on patients with known contact allergy to acrylates. Contact Dermatitis 41, 254–259 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  8. Arenholt-Bindslev, D., Schmalz, G.: Mercury exposure in connection with removal of amalgam fillings – a literature survey. Tandlægebladet 100, 2–8 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  9. Babich, S., Burakoff, R.P.: Occupational hazards of dentistry. A review of literature from 1990. N Y State Dent J 63 (8), 26–31 (1997).

    Google Scholar 

  10. Bruzell, E.M., Jacobsen, N., Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Health hazards associated with curing light in the dental clinic. Clin Oral Invest 8: 113–117 (2004).

    Google Scholar 

  11. Bruzell, E.M., Johnsen, B., Aalerud, T.N., Christensen, T.: Evaluation of eye protection filters for use with dental curing and bleaching lamps. J Occup Environ Hyg 4, 432–439 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Chaudat, P.: Pathologie pulmonaire des prosthesites dentaires. [Lung diseases among dental technicians] Information Dentaire 64, 4157–4160 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  13. Christiansen, M.L., Adelhardt, M., Kjærgaard Jørgensen, N., Gyntelberg, F.: Methylmetakrylat – en årsag til toksisk hjerneskade? [Methylmethacrylate – a cause of toxic brain damage?] Ugeskrift for læger 148, 1491–1494 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  14. Cook, T.A., Yates, P.O.: Fatal mercury intoxication in a dental surgery. Br Dent J, 553–555 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  15. Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993 concerning medical devices. OJ NoL 169/1 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  16. Cronin, E.: Rubber. In: Contact Dermatitis. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh 1980, pp 714–770.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Dahl, J.E., Østergaard, E.: Labelling on dental products. Nor Tannlegeforen Tid 109, 80–83 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  18. Dental Amalgam. A report with reference to the medical devices directive 93/42/EEC from an ad hoc working group mandated by DG III of the European Commission (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  19. De Vuyst, P., Van de Weyer, R., Decoster, A. et al. Dental technicians pneumoconiosis. A report of two cases. Am Rev Resp Dis 133, 316–320 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  20. Donaghy, M., Rushworth, G., Jacobs, J.M.: Generalized peripheral neuropathy in a dental technician exposed to methyl methacrylate monomer. Neurology 41, 1112–1116 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  21. Echeverria, D., Heyer, N.J., Martin, M.D., Naleway, C.A., Woods, J.S., Bittner, A.C. Jr.: Behavioral effects of low level exposure to Hg among dentists. Neurotoxicol Teratol 17, 161–168 (1995).

    Google Scholar 

  22. Echeverria, D., Woods, J.S., Heyer, N.J., Rohlman, D.S., Farin, F.M., Bittner, A.C., Li T, Garabedian C.: Chronic low-level mercury exposure, BDNF polymorphism, and associations with cognitive and motor function. Neurotoxicol Teratol 27, 781–796 (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  23. Ericson, A., Källen, K.L.: Pregnancy outcome in women working as dentists, dental assistants or dental technicians. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 61, 329–333 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  24. Lenvik, K., Woldbæk, T. Halgar, K. Exposure to mercury among dental personnel – a presentation of historic measurement data. Nor Tannlegeforen Tid 116, 350–356 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Fung, Y.K., Molrar, M.P.: Toxicity of mercury from dental environment and from amalgam restorations. Clin Toxicol 30, 49–61 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Hamman, C.P., Kick, S.A.: Allergies associated with medical gloves. Occupational Dermatoses 12, 547–559 (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Hensten-Pettersen, A., Jacobsen, N.: The role of biomaterials as occupational hazards in dentistry. Int Dent J 40, 159–166 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Skin and mucosal reactions associated with dental materials. Eur J Oral Sci 106, 707–712 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  29. Hilt, B., Svendsen, K., Aas, O., et al.: Eksponering for kvikksølv hos tannhelepersonell og forekomst av mulige seneffekter. [Mercury exposure in dental personnel and the occurrence of late injuries] http://www.stolav.no/stolav/resources/kvikksolvrapportny

    Google Scholar 

  30. Herö, H., Bergman, B., Grimsdottir, M., Kerosuo, H.: Metals in the mouth – durable and safe? Nor Tannlegeforen Tid 109: 134–139 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  31. Jacobsen, N., Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Perceived side effects of biomaterials in prosthetic dentistry. J Prosthetic Dent 65, 138–144 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  32. Jacobsen, N., Derand, T., Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Profile of work related health complaints among Swedish dental laboratory technicians. Comm Dent Oral Epidemiol 24: 138–144 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  33. Jacobsen, N., Åsenden, R., Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Occupational health complaints and adverse reaction as perceived by personnel in public dentistry. Comm Dent Oral Epidemiol 19, 155–159 (1991).

    Google Scholar 

  34. Jacobsen, N., Hensten-Pettersen, A.: Self reported occupation related health complaints among Norwegian dental laboratory technicians. Quintessence Int 24: 409–415 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  35. Jedrychowsky, W.: Styrene and methacrylate in the industrial environment as a risk factor of chronic obstructive lung disease. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 51, 151–157 (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  36. Jones, L., Bunnell, J., Stillman, J.: A 30-year follow-up of residual effects on New Zealand School Dental nurses, from occupational mercury exposure. Hum Exp Toxicol 26, 367–374 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Jokstad, A.: Mercury excretion and occupational exposure of dental personnel. Comm Dent Oral Epidemiol 18, 143–148 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Kanerva, L., Estlander, T., Jolanki, R.: Dental problems. In: Guin, J.D. (ed): Practical Contact Dermatitis. McGraw-Hill, New York 1995, pp 397–432.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kanerva, L., Lathinen, A., Toikkanen, J. et al.: Increase in occupational skin disease of dental personnel. Contact Dermatitis 40, 104–108 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Kotloff, R. M., Richman, P.S., Greenacre, J.K., Rossman, M.D.: Chronic beryllium disease in a dental laboratory technician. Am Rev Respir Dis 147, 205–207 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Longworth, S., Rojdmark, S., Akselsson, A.: Normal pituitary hormone response to thyrotropin releasing hormone in dental personnel exposed to mercury. Swed Dent J 14, 101–103 (1990).

    Google Scholar 

  42. Leggat, P.A., Kedjarune, U.: Toxicity of methyl methacrylate in dentistry. Int Dent J 53, 126–131 (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  43. Lindblom, M.L., Ylöstalo, P., Sallmen, M., Henriks-Eckerman, M.L., Nurminen, T., Forss, H., Taskinen, H.: Occupational exposure in dentistry and miscarriage. Occup Environ Med 64: 127–133 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  44. Lönnroth, E.-C., Shahnavaz, H.: Atopic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and hand dermatitis among Swedish dental personnel, including use of personal protective devices. Swed Dent J 22, 105–115 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  45. Lönnroth, E.-C., Shahnavaz, H.: Adverse health reactions in skin, eyes, and respiratory tract among dental personnel in Sweden. Swed Dent J 22, 33–45 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  46. Lönnroth, E.-C., Ruyter, I.E.: Resistance of medical gloves to permeation by methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate (1,4-BDMA). Int J Occup Safe Ergon 9, 289–299 (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  47. Lönnroth, E.-C., Wellendorf, H., Ruyter, I.E.: Permeability of different types of medical protective gloves to acrylic monomers. Eur J Oral Sci 111, 440–446 (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  48. Morgenroth, K., Kronenberger, H.: Lung changes from dental materials. Quintessence of Dental Technology 8, 45–48 (1984).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Munksgaard, E.C., Hansen, E.K., Engen, T., Holm, U.: Self reported occupational dermatological reactions among Danish dentists. Eur J Oral Sci 104: 396–402 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Munksgaard, E.C.: Toxicology versus allergy in restorative dentistry. Adv Dent Res 6, 17–21 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  51. Munksgaard, E.C.: Permeability of protective gloves to (di)methacrylates in resinous dental materials. Scand J Dent Res 100, 182–192 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  52. Norseth, T.: Kvikksølveksponering på offentlige tannklinikker i Oslo. [Mercury exposure in public dentistry in Oslo] Nor Tannlegeforen Tid 87, 371–376 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Nylander, M., Friberg, L., Eggleston, D., Björkmann, L.: Mercury accumulation in tissues from dental staff and controls in relation to exposure. Swed Dent J 13, 225–245 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  54. Palusuo, T., Mäkinen-Kiljunen, S., Alenius, H., Reunala, T., Yip, E., Turjanmaa, K.: Measurement of natural rubber latex allergen levels in medical gloves by allergen-specific IgE-ELISA inhibition, RAST inhibition, and skin prick test. Allergy 53, 59–67 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  55. Person, B., Selden, A., Bornberger, S., Andersson, I., Karlsson, M.: Dammlunga hos tandtekniker – en brancheundersöknming. [Pneumoconiosis in dental laboratory technicians – an occupational investigation] Svenska Läkaresällskapets handlingar. Hygiea 98, 114–121 (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  56. Pohl, L., Bergman, M.: The dentist’s exposure to elemental mercury vapor during clinical work with amalgam. Acta Odont Scand 126, 1502–1511 (1995).

    Google Scholar 

  57. Rajaniemi, R.: Clinical evaluation of occupational toxicity of methylmethacrylate monomer to dental technicians. J Soc Occup Med 36, 56–59 (1986).

    Google Scholar 

  58. Rustmeyer, T., Frosch, P.J.: Occupational skin disease in dental laboratory technicians. (I). Clinical picture and causative factors. Contact Dermatitis 34, 125–133 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  59. Savonius, B., Keskinen, H., Tuppurainen, M., Kanerva, L.: Occupational respiratory disease by acrylates. Clin Exp Allergy 23, 416-424 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  60. Santosh, V., Ranjith, K., Shrutakirthi, D.S., Sachin, V., Balachandran, C.: Results of patch testing with dental materials. Contact Dermatitis 40, 50–51 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  61. Schedle, A., Ortengren, U., Eidler, N., Gabauer, M., Hensten, A.: Do adverse effects of dental materials exist? What are the consequences, and how can they be diagnosed and treated? Clin Oral Impl Res 18 (suppl. 3), 232–256 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  62. Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits: Recommendations from scientific committee on occupational exposure limits for elemental mercury and inorganic divalent mercury compounds. Office for Official Publications of the European Community, Luxembourg 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Scully, C., Cawson, P.A., Griffiths, M.: Occupational Hazards to Dental Staff. British Dental Association, London 1990, pp 1–21.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Shimpo, H., Yokoyama, E., Tsurumaki, K.: Causes of death and life expectancies among dentists. Int Dent J 48, 563–570 (1998).

    Google Scholar 

  65. Sikorski, R., Juszkievicz, T., Pazkowski, T., Szprengler-Juszkiewicz, T.: Women in dental surgeries; reproductive hazards in occupational exposure to metallic mercury. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 59, 551–557 (1987).

    Google Scholar 

  66. Sundby, J., Dahl, J.E.: Are women in the workplace less fertile than women who are not employed? J Womens Health 3, 65–72 (1994).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Steendahl, U., Prescott, E., Damsgaard, M.T.: Metylmetakrylat og organisk demens. En dosis-respons analyse blandt tandteknikere og optikere. [Methylmethacrylate and organic demens; a dose–response analysis among dental technicians and optometrists] Ugeskrift for læger 154, 1421–1428 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  68. Turjanmaa, K., Knudsen, B., Wrangsjö, K.: Gloves and dental dams – protection or risk? Nor Tannlegeforen Tid 109, 164–167 (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  69. Wagner, G.R.: Asbestosis and silicosis. Lancet 349, 1311–1315 (1997).

    Google Scholar 

  70. Wallenhammar, L.M., Örtengren, U., Andreasson, H., Barregaard, L., Björkner, B., Karlsson, S., Wrangsjö, K., Meding B.: Contact allergy and hand eczema in Swedish dentists. Contact Dermatitis 43, 192–199 (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  71. WHO: Environmental Health Criteria 118. Inorganic mercury. World Health Organization, Geneva 1991.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Hensten, A., Jacobsen, N. (2009). Occupational Exposures. In: Biocompatibility of Dental Materials. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-77782-3_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-77782-3_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-77781-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-77782-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics