Prevalence of latex allergy in a dental school

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of latex allergy in dental workers. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of staff of a dental school. SETTING: The Westmead Dental School, a large dental facility in western Sydney. PARTICIPANTS: 230 staff members of the Westmead Dental School (consisting of general and specialist dentists, chairside assistants and registered nurses, laboratory technicians, dental therapists and hygienists) received questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of latex allergy, defined by prompt onset of hand urticaria with or without generalised symptoms, and the prevalence of hand dermatitis and other glove-related symptoms. Also, the relationship between latex allergy and associated atopic status. RESULTS: 177 staff (77%) responded by the set collection date; 33% reported symptoms related to wearing gloves and 22% satisfied the criteria for glove dermatitis. Sixteen respondents (9%) reported characteristics suggestive of latex-glove allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Confirmation of the 9% prevalence of latex allergy among dental workers will require further studies incorporating an objective measure of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.