Latex hypersensitivity: its prevalence among dental professionals
Article Abstract:
The rate of latex allergies among dental professionals appears to be approximately 12%. Researchers surveyed 34 dental workers to assess latex exposure and performed skin testing to identify latex allergies. Eighty-five percent of the dental workers used latex gloves at work. Thirty-eight percent reported reactions to latex gloves. Most experienced hand dryness and redness. Other symptoms included hand itching and swelling, runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Dental assistants, dental hygienists, staff dentists, and support staff personnel reported symptoms. Thirty-one percent of people who reported reactions to latex had a positive allergy skin test for one or more latex preparations. Staff dentists had a higher rate of positive latex skin tests than other dental workers.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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The financing and delivery of dental care: a nationwide survey of dentists
Article Abstract:
Many dentists would like to maintain the current method of financing dental care but they also see that many patients are not adequately covered by dental insurance. This was the attitude of many of the 560 dentists who responded to a survey. Sixty-three percent wanted to maintain the status quo but only 28% believed most patients are adequately covered. Only one-third thought dental benefits should be part of a health reform package. Women were more likely to want to change the financing of dental care, as were the very young, the very old and those who treated patients on public assistance.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1996
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Prevalence of occupationally related hand dermatitis in dental workers
Article Abstract:
Latex allergy may be uncommon in dental personnel with hand dermatitis. Allergy to latex from gloves, frequent handwashing, cleaning agents, and dental materials may cause the hands to become red and irritated in health care workers. Researchers surveyed 390 dentists, dental assistants and other dental personnel, and found that 19% reported hand dermatitis. Subsequent skin patch and latex allergy testing of people reporting dermatitis found that 9.4% had reactions to common dental materials, and 3.8% were sensitive to latex. Most reported dermatitis was caused by contact with irritants.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1998
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