Comparative risk assessment of cross-sensitization to methacrylic monomers in dental practice

Background: Methacrylates serve as a base for resin-based dental materials, extensively used in practice. They may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, allergic dermatitis, stomatitis, etc. Acrylic monomers often cross-react. Numerous studies confirm the sensitization to methacrylates in dental professionals, but quite a few evaluate the incidence of cross-sensitization in students of dentistry and from dental technician school. The purpose of the present study is to perform a comparative risk assessment of cross-sensitization to methacrylates in different groups of individuals, exposed in dental practice. Materials and methods: A total of 262 participants were included: dental professionals, students of dentistry and from dental technician school and dental patients. All of them were patch-tested with methacrylic monomers, included in DMS-1000 series. The results were subject to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Results: High sensitization rates were revealed, with highest cross-sensitization incidence in the groups of dental patients and the students of dentistry. The most common methacrylic allergens for dental professionals were 2-HEMA and TEGDMA, for students of dentistry - TEGDMA, bis-GMA and 2-HEMA, for students of dental technician school – TEGDMA and MMA, and for control group - bis-GMA and THFDMA. Students of dentistry and the control group could be considered at risk of cross-sensitization to methacrylic monomers. Conclusions:We assume a significant role of therapy with composite materials for the sensitization to methacrylates. More effective training and risk management programs in exposure to allergens and use of proper personal protection in dental practice and among dental students could be recommended.