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Biomedical subjects

R P Widmer

Publications and source records attributed to R P Widmer.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Screening for latex allergy with a questionnaire: comparison with latex skin testing in a group of dental professionals.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy has emerged as an important cause of allergic reactions particularly in health workers. Due to the lack of a standardized extract for objective skin testing a screening questionnaire was developed. METHODS: At the 1995 Australian Dental Association Conference, all attendees were invited to complete a questionnaire and undergo skin testing to assess the level of latex allergy in this population and to assess the performance of the questionnaire as a screening test for latex allergy. RESULTS: The questionnaire had high specificity but poor sensitivity compared to skin testing with latex extract. CONCLUSION: This study compares at risk individuals identified by a screening questionnaire with those identified by objective skin testing. A questionnaire designed to screen for latex allergy was reliable for identifying those with low risk while overestimating those at risk of true latex allergy, demonstrating the need for objective testing with reliable allergens.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Minimizing the risks of latex allergy: the effectiveness of written information.

BACKGROUND: Latex allergy has been identified as an occupational risk for the dental profession. This study assessed whether identified latex-allergic dental personnel changed their practices after receiving verbal and written information about the management of latex allergy. METHODS: A survey conducted at the 1998 Australian Dental Association Congress identified 157 dental personnel with clinical latex allergy, or at high risk from latex exposure. The workplace implications were then explained to them by a consultant allergist. Four weeks later, follow up written information on latex allergy was mailed out. The information sheet outlined possible symptoms and cross-reactions, implications for the workplace, hand care advice and management strategies to reduce latex exposure in the workplace. After six weeks, a questionnaire, designed to assess whether appropriate steps to reduce latex exposure had been taken, was mailed out. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of the questionnaires were returned. All respondents felt the information was easy to understand and informative. While 50 per cent of respondents indicated that they had changed to powder-free or non-latex gloves, only five respondents were fully compliant with all instructions. CONCLUSION: Compliance with instructions regarding minimizing exposure to latex in a group of latex-allergic dental personnel was poor.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Opalescent dentine in two affected siblings.

This report describes the dental findings and management of siblings in a family in which three generations had been affected by osteogenesis imperfecta Type IV with opalescent dentine. Hereditary opalescent dentine, or opalescent teeth, is a pathologic dental condition characterised by a disturbance of dentine formation that occurs concurrently with osteogenesis imperfecta. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetically heterogenous group of systemic disorders of the connective tissue. The two siblings affected with opalescent dentine were treated under general anaesthesia, and included stainless steel crowns, extractions, and strip crowns on primary teeth. These reports highlight that appropriate treatment of the dentition of young patients with opalescent dentine should be carried out early in the primary dentition, and that this initial treatment can have long-term benefits in the mixed and permanent dentitions.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1996

Prevalence of latex allergy in a dental school.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of latex allergy in dental workers. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey of staff of a dental school. SETTING: The Westmead Dental School, a large dental facility in western Sydney. PARTICIPANTS: 230 staff members of the Westmead Dental School (consisting of general and specialist dentists, chairside assistants and registered nurses, laboratory technicians, dental therapists and hygienists) received questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of latex allergy, defined by prompt onset of hand urticaria with or without generalised symptoms, and the prevalence of hand dermatitis and other glove-related symptoms. Also, the relationship between latex allergy and associated atopic status. RESULTS: 177 staff (77%) responded by the set collection date; 33% reported symptoms related to wearing gloves and 22% satisfied the criteria for glove dermatitis. Sixteen respondents (9%) reported characteristics suggestive of latex-glove allergy. CONCLUSIONS: Confirmation of the 9% prevalence of latex allergy among dental workers will require further studies incorporating an objective measure of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Paediatric dentistry--what's new. A contemporary approach to the art and science of caries risk assessment.

Preventive dental care for children and adolescents has historically focused on fluoride therapy, oral hygiene and home care maintenance, simple dietary advice, and the placement of fissure sealants. Traditionally, dental caries has been regarded as a static phenomenon, eventuating in loss of tooth structure while the basis for treatment and management of this ubiquitous disease has essentially been mechanical. However, with current developments in new dental materials, techniques and preventive strategies, a more precise understanding and appreciation of the nature of the caries process is required. The development of dental caries is a common yet complex series of dynamic events under the influence of numerous inter-related biological, social, behavioural and psychological factors. It is now increasingly recognized that certain 'high risk' caries-susceptible individuals persist within our communities for whom preventive measures and restorative care alone are not enough to control the disease. This paper will discuss and outline current preventive concepts, individual risk factors, and dietary considerations which can be utilized in a contemporary approach to caries risk assessment.

Child↗
PubMed1992

Oro-facial trauma in children.

Dentoalveolar trauma is unfortunately a regular part of medical practice. The prompt management of such injuries is vital in re-establishing a healthy dentition. As well, the promotion of preventive equipment is paramount: from seat belts and bike helmets to mouthguards. The purchase of over the counter one-size-fits-all mouthguards is not only a waste of money but dangerous. Well made mouthguards fitted by a dentist are a sensible investment to reduce the frequency and severity of costly dental injury and to preserve the attractive aesthetics of natural teeth (Figures 21 and 22). They must be worn in competition and at practice.

Child↗
PubMed1992

The normal development of teeth.

Even though a dental assessment is not often a part of a child's regular medical check up, an understanding of the normal dental development and its variations is a valuable diagnostic tool. Dental health is a part of total health, and there is a need for increased communication between medical and dental practitioners to achieve this goal (Figure 32).

Child, Preschool↗