ABSTRACT
Occupational dermatological problems are common among dental health personnel. We conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the frequency of occupational dermatological problems among dental health personnel in Hordaland county, Norway. 333 of 394 employees (85%) answered the questionnaire. 148 of 333 respondents (44%) reported skin complaints. The proportion of respondents with skin complaints was lower among those with more than 20 years experience in dental health care. Hands were almost always involved. Use of gloves were reported to be the main cause of skin problems, especially the use of powdered gloves. Other frequently reported causes were soaps and methacrylates. Skin complaints from methacrylates occurred more often among employees wearing gloves most past of the working day. 3% of the respondents reported test-proven rubber allergy and 1% a methacrylate allergy. Our study confirm that occupational dermatological problems among dental health personnel are frequent. Irritant reactions are probably much more common than allergy. The most important allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis are rubber and methacrylates. Dental personnel should use non-powdered non-latex gloves and use non-touch techniques while handling methacrylates.
Subject(s)
Dental Staff , Dermatitis, Occupational/etiology , Hand Dermatoses/chemically induced , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Adult , Dental Materials/adverse effects , Female , Gloves, Protective , Humans , Latex Hypersensitivity/etiology , Male , Methacrylates/adverse effects , Powders/adverse effects , Soaps/adverse effects , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
A questionnaire concerning musculoskeletal discomfort was satisfactory completed by 329 (76%) of the employees in the Public Dental Services of Hordaland county during the winter of 1990. 81% of the respondents had experienced some sort of musculoskeletal discomfort during the last 12 months. Shoulder discomfort was reported by 45%. Neck discomfort had been experienced by 47%, and low back pain by 49%. The occurrence of other local discomfort was: hands/wrists 21%, upper part of the back 20%, hips 18%, knees 14%, elbows 12%, and ankles 10%. The dental personnel's experience of musculoskeletal discomfort did not differ from that found in the general Norwegian population. The respondents attributed by far the major part of the discomfort to their work. Only when localisation was considered were any occupational or gender-specific differences found. Neck discomfort increased with increasing age. Ergonomic equipment helped to alleviate discomfort in the shoulder. Perceived work load was positively associated with shoulder discomfort. Participation in sport activities showed negative association with discomfort in the lower hack.
