MULTIPLE OCCUPATIONAL SENSITIZATION IN DENTAL PROFESSIONALS AND DENTAL STUDENTS ALLERGIC TO FORMALDEHYDE AND/OR GLUTARALDEHYDE

Abstract

Purpose: In dental practice is common concomitant exposure to formaldehyde andglutaraldehyde. Formaldehyde is an ingredient of some dental materials and may bereleased from methacrylate-based dental materials. A multitude of methacrylicmonomers is used in dentistry.In the present study we evaluated the prevalence ofmultiple contact hypersensitivity to dental allergens (methacrylic monomers, mercuryand eugenol) among dental professionals, students of dental medicine and patients,allergic to formaldehyde and/or glutaraldehyde. Methods: A total of 139 participants were included in the study: occupationally exposed to dentalprofessionals, students of dental medicine and patients without occupational exposure.All of them were patch-tested with formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, some methacrylicmonomers, mercury and eugenol. The results were subject to statistical analysis (p <0.05) Results: High incidence of contact allergy to formaldehyde and/or glutaraldehyde was revealed.The most vulnerable group in terms of concomitant sensitization to formaldehydeand/orglutaraldehyde and to MMA was the one of students from 6th course; toTREGDMA and EGDMA - students from 3-4 courses; to 2-HEMA and mercury – dentalprofessionals; to tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate and to eugenol - students from 3-4courses and dental professionals. High rates of concomitant sensitization toformaldehyde and/or glutaraldehyde and to the tested dental materials wereestablished both in occupational and nonoccupational exposure, suggesting animportant role of consumer (patient’s) exposure as well. Conclusions; More effective training and risk management programs in exposure to allergens anduse of proper personal protection in dental practice and among dental students couldbe recommended.