Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Dental Personnel: A Retrospective Analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group Data, 2001 to 2018

Background Dental personnel are at risk of developing occupational contact dermatitis. Objectives The aims of the study were to determine prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis in dental personnel referred for patch testing and to characterize relevant allergens and sources. Methods The study used a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) data, 2001–2018. Results Of 41,109 patients, 585 (1.4%) were dental personnel. Dental personnel were significantly more likely than nondental personnel to be female (75.7% vs 67.4%, P < 0.0001), have occupationally related dermatitis (35.7% vs 11.5%, P < 0.0001), and/or have primary hand involvement (48.6% vs 22.5%, P < 0.0001). More than one quarter of dental personnel (62/585, 27.7%) had 1 or more occupationally related allergic patch test reaction(s). There were 249 occupationally related reactions to NACDG screening allergens, most commonly glutaraldehyde (18.1%), thiuram mix (16.1%), and carba mix (14.1%). The most common sources of NACDG screening allergens were gloves (30.7%), dental materials (26.6%), and sterilizing solutions (13.1%). Seventy-three dental personnel (12.5%) had 1 or more positive patch test reactions to occupationally related allergen(s)/substances not on the screening series. Occupationally related irritant contact dermatitis was identified in 22.2% (n = 130) of dental personnel, most commonly to nonskin soaps/detergents/disinfectants (32.0%). Conclusions Occupational contact dermatitis is common in dental personnel referred for patch testing. Comprehensive testing beyond screening series is important in these patients.