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Danger Awaiting the Dental Technicians (Search Results of 6 Dental Laboratories in Istanbul)

Arzu Atay*,Faruk Ciftçi,Fatih Ors,Sevilay Sakinç

Dental technicianship is a common health-related occupation especially in metropolitan areas of Turkey. Dental technicians are exposed to ceramic, metal and similar dusts which might lead to pneumoconiosis in occupational environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and factors related with developing of pneumoconiosis among dental technicians. All of 31 dental technicians employed in six laboratories in Istanbul were enrolled into the study. Detailed medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in all participants. HRCT findings were scored and investigated for relation with duration of practice. Mean age and male/female ratio of the study population were 43,2 ? 9,6 years and 27/4 respectively. Mean duration of practice of the technicians was 25,2 ? 9,4 years. Eight subjects complained of dyspnea and cough and out of whom 4 (13%) had HRCT findings compatible with pneumoconiosis. Additionally, four technicians had pulmonary tuberculosis their occupational practice. We have concluded that dental technicianship might be a significant risk factor for pneumoconiosis. The problem might be greater than thought and preventive measures against dust exposure and pneumoconiosis should be revised in dental laboratories.