Dental offices and labs are essential to good dental health for patients, but dental workers may be exposed to several potentially hazardous chemicals in their work. Dental office and lab workers may be exposed to beryllium, which is used to make crowns, bridges, and partial dentures. Beryllium is listed as a substance “known to be a human carcinogen" in the Eleventh Report on Carcinogens, published by the National Toxicology Program. Dental workers may face potential reproductive health risks from exposure to heavy metals, organic solvents, sterilizing substances, and anesthetic gases. They may develop respiratory diseases after long-term exposure to dental drills made of cobalt, a hard metal. Dental workers may also be exposed to phthalates, which are used to make plastic medical devices; formaldehyde-resin adhesives; glues; and coatings. If dental workers use latex gloves, they may develop latex allergies or occupational asthma. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has concluded that there is no evidence to show that amalgam fillings that contain mercury cause harm to patients. However, dentists and dental workers should handle amalgam materials with care.

Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Dental Health
Occupational Health for Healthcare Providers

More Links
Best Practices for Amalgam Management (American Dental Association)
Dental Care Providers. Haz-Map Occupational Health Info (National Library of Medicine)
Dental Unit Waterlines (American Dental Association)
Dentistry (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Dentistry (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Chemicals in Dental Offices
Are these chemicals in MY environment?
Acetone
Formaldehyde
Lead
Mercury
Particulate Matter
Solvents
Toluene
Volatile Organic Compounds

Last Updated: October 22, 2008