ABSTRACT
A wide range of chemicals and procedures is responsible for allergic contact dermatitis [ACD] in the dental profession. Groups of individuals affected include dentists and orthodontists, dental technicians, dental nurses, dental surgery assistants, dental hygienists and patients. Allergic contact dermatitis in dental personnel is predominantly confined to hand dermatitis, while patients with ACD to dental materials tend to experience stomatitis or cheilitis [type IV allergy] or contact urticaria with or without dissemination [immediate type allergy
Due to changes in dental practice and materials used, 'traditional' allergens previously cited as common causes of allergic contact dermatitis [e.g., local anaesthetics, glutaraldehyde, eugenol] are now being seen less frequently. Increasingly, ACD is seen in association with acrylates, rubber and composite resins. Both public concerns about potential toxicity of metals in oral restorations and greater demand for cosmetic dentistry, have resulted in greater use of acrylics and resins by dental personnel, exposing them to highly allergenic materials
The aim, of the review is to update dental team members about the basic allergy reactions, prevalence of contact dermatitis in dental health personnel, allergy from rubber latex, dental materials; including acrylic and metals and their diagnosis by patch test methods and some basic alternatives to me conditions. It is hoped that the review will help dental team members to learn about ACD, use of alternate methods, materials to protect themselves, their staff and patients from unwanted reactions, leading to a safe dental practice, to improve the quality of care to their patients