D3.230 - Type I Hypersensitivity Among Private Dental Practitioners: Clinical Manifestations and Associated Factors

Private dental practitioners are exposed to various occupational allergens that may trigger type I hypersensitivity reactions. Identifying the factors associated with these reactions is essential for improving prevention strategies. Objectives: To identify the clinical manifestations and associated factors of type I hypersensitivity among private dental practitioners.

This was an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted among 290 private dental practitioners in the Sousse region, Tunisia, over a 3-month period from July 1 to September 30, 2024. Data were collected using a pre-established, self-administered French-language questionnaire designed to meet the study objectives.

The study population was predominantly female (55.9%), with a male-to-female ratio of 0.79. The median age of participants was 37.5 years (IQR: 32–45). The median duration of professional practice was 10.5 years (IQR: 5–18), ranging from 1 to 48 years. The median number of patients seen per day was 7 (IQR: 5–10). Overall, 45 participants (15.5%) reported at least one type I hypersensitivity reaction after the start of their professional career, including allergic rhinitis (51.1%), allergic conjunctivitis (33.3%), allergic asthma (17.8%), and contact urticaria (17.8%). The median age of participants with type I hypersensitivity was 37 years (IQR: 31.5–44), compared with 38 years (IQR: 32–45) among unaffected participants, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.82). Although female dentists were more frequently affected (68.9%) than male dentists (31.1%), this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Among participants diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, one participant (4.3%) had concomitant allergic contact urticaria, whereas 22 participants (95.7%) did not, showing a significant association (p = 0.022; OR = 0.097; 95% CI: 0.011–0.875). Another significant association was observed between allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (p = 0.029; OR = 0.211; 95% CI: 0.054–0.824).

Type I hypersensitivity reactions are frequent among private dental practitioners. Appropriate preventive measures and regular medical surveillance are therefore required.