Skin problems in dentists and dental technicians

Introduction

Dentists and dental technicians are considered to be in a high-risk profession for occupational dermatoses. In one study out of Norway, for example, it was found that 40% of dentists suffer from job-related skin disorders, while a Belgian study found that 23% suffer from allergic contact dermatitis and 9% from chronic skin infections. An Australian study found that between 9% and 22% of those employed in dentistry suffer specifically from latex allergy.

Why are dentists and dental technicians at risk for skin problems?

Dentists and dental technicians are uniquely vulnerable to job-related skin problems.

• Their job requires frequent hand-washing, which can dry out the skin and compromise the skin barrier.
• They must spend extended time wearing gloves while working with patients and performing other tasks and this can lead to latex allergy.
• Dentistry brings a high risk of mechanical injuries like cuts and needles sticks to due contact with syringes, drills and other equipment.

Understanding the nature of occupational skin disorders

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, skin diseases are the most common form of occupation-related illness and represent around 16.5% of all work-related illnesses and injuries. These problems occur when various occupational hazards compromise the protective barrier of the skin and lead to irritation/inflammation, itch and pain.

Dentists and dental technicians are particularly prone to latex allergy and contact dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Irritant contact dermatitis is often associated with “wet work”, or the constant or frequent submerging of hands in water. It can lead to acute dermatitis, ie redness, weeping or swelling, and on to chronic dermatitis, ie dry, cracked or scaling skin.

Latex allergy

Latex allergy is a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to latex proteins (contact urticaria) and in extreme cases can rarely be fatal. Diagnosis based on medical history which is typically immediate redness and swelling on exposure to latex gloves. Latex reactions can be severe, but generally resolve within an hour or so.

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis can arise from dental materials, solids, lubricating oils and X-ray chemicals. Specific allergens include:

• Rubber accelerators in gloves
• Fragrances
• Local anaesthetics such as benzocaine
• Metals such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, mercury, gold, palladium, tin
• Glues such as epoxy resin
• Methacrylates
• Plastics and composite materials

Contact dermatitis and patch testing in dentists

Hand dermatitis due to rubber glove allergy 

Positive patch tests to acrylates in a dentist 

Positive patch test to acrylate 

Borderline multiple patch tests in a dentist 

Mechanical injury

Needle sticks and cuts/abrasians from sharps account for 50% of mechanical injuries in dentists and dental technicians. These are due to the small operating field, patient movement and the variety of sharps used. These injuries risk transmitting infection, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and various bacteria.

Workplace risk assessment

Dental clinics and practices are highly regulated entities and this includes regulations for workplace risk. Agencies like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and similar regulatory bodies in other countries mandate employee education on infection control and prevention, sharps storage, use and disposal, safe handling of chemicals and cleaners used in dentistry and other aspects of workplace health.

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes the use of face masks and gloves in the dental profession, mostly due to risk for transmission of viral illness, and to protect workers from exposure to potential irritants or allergens. However, many workers develop a sensitivity to latex or to other compounds in rubber gloves, and skin reactions related to prolonged wearing of face masks.

Increased use of non-latex gloves has led to a reduction in incidence of rubber allergy in dentists and dental technicians.

Hand care advice

Hand care advice for dentists and dental technicians includes:

• Use of gloves to avoid exposure to irritants, allergens and infectious materials
• Replacement of latex gloves with non-latex gloves to avoid allergic reactions
• Frequent hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Use of creams or lotions to moisturise and prevent drying/cracking
• Monitoring hands to detect early signs and symptoms of dermatitis; dermatitis should be reported immediately to a medical professional for prompt treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of occupational skin disease

Diagnosis of occupational skin disorders should be based on:

• A thorough occupational assessment of the patient, including the nature of their work, any chemicals or other substances they are in frequent contact with, safety protocols in place at the work site and the presence of similar skin problems in co-workers.
• Knowledge of both classic and atypical signs and symptoms of dermatitis.
• Patch testing and other tests due determine the presence of patient allergies

Treatment of occupational skin disorders can include:

• Reduction of worker exposure to potential allergens and irritants
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• Appropriate applications of moisturisers and barrier creams as needed
• Use of oral or topical steroids
• Use of second-line treatments like phototherapy, methotrexate, ciclosporin and azathioprine