Literature review of cancer mortality and incidence among dentists

Abstract

This review assesses the epidemiological literature describing dentist mortality and cancer incidence risk. In the dental workplace a variety of hazards may have been historically present or currently exist which can impact dentists' long-term health, including their mortality and cancer incidence. The epidemiological literature of dentistry's health outcomes was reviewed with a focus on all cancers combined and cancers of the brain, lung, reproductive organs and skin. Relevant studies were identified using MEDLINE and NIOSHTIC through early 2006 and from references cited in the articles obtained from these databases. Dentist cancer mortality and incidence generally showed a favourable risk pattern for lung cancer and overall cancer occurrence. Nevertheless, several studies reported an increased risk for certain cancers, such as those of the skin and, to a lesser extent, the brain and female breast. These elevated risks may be related to social status or education level, or may alternatively represent the impact of hazards in the workplace. The evidence for an increased mortality or cancer incidence risk among dentists must be interpreted in light of methodological limitations of published studies. Future studies of dentists would benefit from the assessment of specific occupational exposures rather than relying on job title alone.

Determinants of physical and mental health complaints in dentists: a systematic review

“…Several studies have reported numerous determinants or risk factors for a variety of occupational diseases (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13). However, none of these studies were based on quantitative research or were designed to investigate discriminating factors between cases (e.g.…”

Cancer mortality among Brazilian dentists

“…Even when professionals of both genders perform identical job tasks, with similar external exposures, the absorbed dose may be higher among men as a consequence of their larger surface area, which provides more opportunity for dermal absorption. Altogether, this scenario of continuous exposure to several risk factors for decades of activity in the dentistry practice may create conditions that are favorable for carcinogenesis [Simning and van Wijngaarden, 2007]. However, women have thinner skin in many areas of the body, a smaller volume of total body water, and a higher percentage of body fat, which can allow easier penetration, absorption, and storage of chemicals [Silvaggio and Mattison, 1992].…”

Breast Cancer

“…Increased risks have also been reported, albeit inconsistently, for farming occupations [ 110 , 118 ], textile and clothing workers [ 89 , 107 ], leather and fur processors and glass-manufacturing workers [ 110 ], nurses [ 60 ], dentists [ 164 ], electricity power plant workers [ 165 ], semiconductor and computer manufacturing industries [ 102 , 125 ], metalworking and automotive plastics manufacturing [ 166 ], and scientists [ 126 ]. However, similar occupations have also been associated with absence of risk, for example, the occupation of farm worker [ 107 , 167 , 168 ], garment worker [ 119 ], glass manufacturer [ 106 ], dentist [ 164 ], and cosmetologist and manicurist [ 127 ].…”

“…However, similar occupations have also been associated with absence of risk, for example, the occupation of farm worker [ 107 , 167 , 168 ], garment worker [ 119 ], glass manufacturer [ 106 ], dentist [ 164 ], and cosmetologist and manicurist [ 127 ].…”