What Dentists Need To Know about Allergies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 20, 1997

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Chris Martin
Jann Ingmire
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What Dentists Need To Know about Allergies

WASHINGTON -- With more people developing multiple allergies, dentists have to know how to recognize the signs and be ready to handle potential emergencies in their offices. That's the focus of one of the scientific sessions at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 138th Annual Session in Washington, D.C., October 18 - 22.

"Allergic Patients and Dental Care Providers: Practice Implications" is the course being presented by John A. Molinari, Ph.D., from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

"People are developing more allergies as we are exposed to more manufactured materials. Our immune systems are constantly being insulted by these substances, which results in more allergic reactions," Dr. Molinari explains.

"What dentists need to know is that certain allergic reactions are directly observable in the orofacial tissues. Clinicians should be prepared for the potential hazards these individuals present during dental treatment," Dr. Molinari adds. "The potential for these kinds of reactions re-emphasizes the need for taking complete medical histories with patients; however, not every patient knows what they're allergic to, and that's where the danger lies."

Dr. Molinari says it's important for clinicians to be aware that virtually every chemical, drug and dental material used in the dental office has been known to induce allergic reactions in some patients and clinical personnel.

One area that has received some attention lately is the alleged increase in the allergic reactions associated with latex products. "More and more patients are becoming allergic to latex, which means there is now a need to use non-latex materials when treating these patients in the dental office," Dr. Molinari says. "Some patients, and even some health care workers, are so allergic to latex that they could go into anaphylactic shock in the dental office. This is extremely rare, but the potential is there so it's important for dentists and everyone on the dental team to know the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and how to handle emergency situations."

Dr. Molinari says this is the first time a course this extensive discussing the major types of allergic reactions, their clinical manifestations and treatment has been offered at an ADA annual session. Dr. Molinari's course will be on Monday, October 20.

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