Frequency of Allergic Reactions Related to Dentistry Allergens among Dentistry Students, Residents, and Professors

Abstract

Introduction: With the increase in the use of dental services and the increase in the use of different materials in several fields, the prevalence of allergic reactions to these substances has also been rising. In this situation, the diagnosis of allergic reactions and their prevalence among dentists is important. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these reactions among students, residents and faculty members of Isfahan Dental School.
 Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Isfahan Dental School using a form for data collection in 2018, which was provided by professors and colleagues from the Immunology Department of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, on clinical students, residents and faculty members of Isfahan Dental School. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square methods (p value < 0.05).
 Results: Of 200 participants in this study (152 students, 23 residents and 25 faculty members), 64 % showed allergic reaction to at least one dental workplace (69.1 % among the students, among the faculty members was 40.7 % and among the faculty members was 56 %). The most common allergic reaction among all participants was skin itchiness, hives, and respiratory responses. The pre-clinical and laboratory sections had the highest prevalence of allergic reactions.
 Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the prevalence of allergic reactions caused by allergens in the dental environment is very important and the most common reactions is skin reactions and subsequent respiratory reactions. Also, among the most common allergy to dental materials was latex gloves.