Occupational toxic risks in dental laboratory technicians

Abstract

KEY WORDSDental laboratory technicians use a wide range of materials and techniques. They dental laboratory technician are thus subject to occupational exposures of many different kinds. The aim of occupational exposure this review is to present the circumstances of exposure, the related risks, and toxic risks the epidemiological data available in the literature. Exposures to metals, waxes, pneumoconiosis resins and silica can cause irritation or allergic reactions, affecting either the skin autoimmune diseases or the respiratory tract. The risks of benign pneumoconiosis induced by hard metals are well documented. A prevalence of 15.4% after 20 or more years of exposure has been reported, whereas the prevalence in the general population is less than 1%. Malignant pneumoconiosis is caused by dust from crystalline silica, asbestos or beryllium. Silicosis is the most common occupational disease among dental technicians, while for berylliosis the risk is not well documented. Isolated cases of systemic autoimmune diseases have been observed. No study has yet demonstrated a link between these diseases and occupational exposure of dental technicians.Silica is known to provoke systemic scleroderma, but its role in prosthetists remains to be established. The first steps in prevention are the identification, classification and evaluation of exposure and the effects of that exposure on the health of exposed workers. Reduction or elimination of exposure by collective or individual protective measures are the best modalities of prevention.

The Pneumoconioses

“…Torbica and Krstev (2006) suggested that asbestos-related diseases in dentists might be linked to exposure to inorganic dust in the manufacturing of cobalt-chromiummolybdenum-based dental protheses. With the use of white asbestos-made lining material for casting rings in dentistry, dental technicians and dentists are potentially exposed to asbestos; and some cases of pleural plaques and malignant mesothelioma have been reported in a number of dentists after a relatively long period of work (35 to 45 years) (Choel et al, 2001;Reid et al, 1991;Sichletidis et at, 2009;Radi et al, 2002). Similarly, pneumoconiosis may occur in mechanics.…”

Pleural plaques in dentists from occupational asbestos exposure: A report of three cases

“…Dental technicians' pneumoconiosis is a well-known clinical entity and has been described in the past [De Vuyst et al, 1986;Selden et al, 1995;Choël et al, 2001;Torbica and Krstev, 2006]. It is possible that this pneumoconiosis is caused from exposure to inorganic dust in the manufacturing of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo)-based dental prostheses as well as to silica during grinding and sandblasting.…”

Cytogenetic Biomonitoring of Dental Technicians: A Cross‐Sectional Study

“…These materials may induce adverse effects such as toxicity, allergic reactions, or even cancerogenicity. Many experimental and epidemiological studies have proven the potential health hazards of metal, acrylic, and ceramic dust …”

“…Base metal alloys typically consist of 35% to 65% cobalt, 20% to 30% chrome, 0% to 30% nickel and molybdenum, and silica, beryllium, boron, and carbon in minor quantities . Each of these metals is potentially harmful and can trigger not only allergic reactions in the skin but also various systemic diseases . Furthermore, several studies suggest that chromium, nickel, and cobalt are possibly carcinogenic to humans …”

“…The toxic risks of the substances used in the manufacturing of prostheses and other products within the dental laboratory are the result of either acute or chronic exposure to them. The effects of those risks have not yet been thoroughly assessed . Research assessing genetic toxicity as a part of the workplace risk assessment is essential, as this may help minimize potential health risks by minimizing exposure to common hazardous agents.…”