Dental Personnel Treated for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at a Tertiary Care Centre — Virginia, 2000–2015

Title	Dental Personnel Treated for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at a Tertiary Care Centre — Virginia, 2000–2015
Authors	Randall J. Nett, MD, Kristin J. Cummings, MD, Brenna Cannon, Jean Cox-Ganser, PhD, Steven D. Nathan, MD
Magazine	Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Date	03/09/2018
DOI	10.15585/mmwr.mm6709a2
Introduction	This study investigates a concerning cluster of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases among dental personnel. In April 2016, a Virginia dentist diagnosed with IPF raised alarms about multiple dentists receiving similar diagnoses at the same specialised clinic. IPF is a severe, chronic, and progressive lung condition of unknown origin, carrying a poor prognosis. While occupational links to IPF have been noted, specific data concerning dental professionals were previously lacking. Researchers reviewed medical records of 894 IPF patients treated at a Virginia tertiary care centre between September 1996 and June 2017. This review identified nine dental personnel (eight dentists and one dental technician) treated for IPF from 2000 to 2015; seven of these individuals had unfortunately passed away. An interview with one surviving patient revealed unprotected exposure to materials such as silica, polyvinyl siloxane, and alginate during dental procedures including polishing appliances, preparing amalgams, and impressions. These substances are known or potential respiratory toxins. Although a definitive cause for this cluster remains elusive, occupational exposures are considered a likely contributing factor. This observed pattern of IPF cases underscores the critical importance of better understanding the specific occupational hazards faced by dental professionals and their connection to IPF risk, enabling the development of effective prevention strategies against harmful exposures.
Quote	Randall J. Nett, Kristin J. Cummings and Brenna Cannon et al. Dental Personnel Treated for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at a Tertiary Care Centre — Virginia, 2000–2015. 2018. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6709a2
Element	Silicon (Si) , Cobalt (Co) , Chromium (Cr) , Molybdenum (Mo) , Mercury (Hg) , Silver (Ag) , Tin (Sn) , Copper (Cu)
Materials	Biopolymers , Metals and Alloys
Topics	Biomedical Materials
Industry	Dentistry , Medical Devices , Pharmaceutical Industry