Dentistry Profession Article

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journal Allergy reports that dental assistants who are exposed daily to the use of methacrylates can be at risk for respiratory problems. In fact the results of a survey of 799 dental assistants in Finland reveals that there is an "…increased risk of adult-onset "asthma…nasal symptoms…and work-related cough or phlegm" (Jaakkola, et al., 2007, p. 648). This paper delves into the issue of this apparent occupational hazard for dental assistants and provides a personal response as well.

"Respiratory effects of exposure to methacrylates among dental assistants."

The authors in this article surveyed 799 female dental assistants (the response rate from the initial 923 dental assistants approached was 87%) in the Helsinki metropolitan area by telephone. A computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) was used for this research; that is, the computer system allows those doing the phone interview to immediately enter answers into a database. Moreover, the CATI "…controls the interview logic, branching to or skipping questions as needed…" based on the answers received; the CATI also "validates the logic of the data as it is entered" (Jaakkola, 649). The dental assistants were queried about their current health, about the exposures they have while at work, and about their personal style of living.

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The study was approved in advance by the "ethical committee" of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (Jaakkola, 649).

Dental assistants are exposed to methacrylates when the patient is be treated with "acrylic resin-based composites and bonding agents," the authors explain (648). The dental assistant is exposed to "airborne methacrylates" when the materials are mixed in preparation to be applied to the patients' teeth as well as when the dentist is actually placing the materials in the porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, the article explains (648). Also, dental assistants are exposed to methacrylates when making (or assisting in making) dental fillings and sealings, "…cementing or orthodontal brackets, cementing of veneers…and repairing dentures" (Jaakkola, 649).

The median age of this group of female dental assistants was 36 years (21 -- 63). Nasal symptoms were the most frequently reported respiratory symptom….....

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