Occupational allergens in dentistry.
OBJECTIVE
Dental professionals and their physicians frequently do not recognize, accurately diagnose or appropriately manage occupational allergies. Dental allergen identification, diagnostics and practical avoidance strategies are summarized in this review.


RESULTS
Methacrylates, natural rubber latex proteins, rubber glove allergens, and glutaraldehyde are the predominant allergens in dentistry. Reactions range from cell-mediated contact allergy to urticaria and occupational asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite recent advances in allergen characterization and increased awareness of selected allergens, treatment of occupational allergies can be improved. Better information and improved cooperation between dental workers and their clinicians is needed.
Hamann
Curtis P
CP
SmartHealth, Phoenix, Arizona 85008, USA. hamann@smarthealth.com
Rodgers
Pamela A
PA
Sullivan
Kim M
KM
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology; D003813:Dentistry; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology; D005976:Glutaral / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010328:Patch Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects; D014581:Urticaria / Q000209:etiology
D000485:Allergens; D007840:Latex; D008689:Methacrylates; D012408:Rubber; D005976:Glutaral