Hazards >> Dental Technician

Dental Technician - occupational hazards

Silica dust – When inhaled in higher amounts during prolonged time causes silicosis or lung cancer.

Bloodborne pathogens – Exposure to the agents that cause HIV, Hepatitis B, and C can occur when handling impressions and other items if contaminated with blood or saliva.

Methyl methacrylate – Used in making dentures and plates, it can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin, and by ingestion. It is irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Repeated and prolonged exposure can cause skin sensitization and asthma, as well as adverse effects on the nervous system.

Electroplating chemicals – The process of electroplating can release hazardous contaminants into the air that pose a variety of risks to the dental lab worker. The contaminants include various acid and alkaline mists that can cause respiratory and skin problems.

Metals such as beryllium, chromium, cobalt, and nickel. These metals in alloys used for castings of bridge framework and other dental prosthesis components can cause a variety of lung problems.

Repetitive motion disorders – A range of injuries to the muscles, tendons, nerves, ligaments and joints of arms, hands, wrists, shoulders, neck, and upper back. These injuries result from damage to the body over a period of time. If not treated they can result in chronic pain and permanent disability.

Noise – grinding, sandblasting, and other dental lab machinery can make noise that may cause hearing loss.

Chemical sterilants – These are used to sterilize impressions and prosthetic devices, received from dental offices, contaminated with blood and saliva. Sterilant chemicals include aldehydes, phenols, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These chemicals may cause lung problems and dermatitis.

Reference used: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/survweb/dent_bro.pdf

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Page last modified on 07-Jan-2007
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