Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the ventilatory function of Senegalese dental technicians by comparing them to a control group of healthy individuals not exposed to dental laboratory products. A cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study was conducted, and spirometric examinations were performed in the Respiratory Functional Investigation room of the Laboratory of Physiology and Functional Explorations, FMPO/UCAD, Dakar, Senegal. The collected spirometric parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC), maximum expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Tiffeneau ratio (FEV1/FVC), maximum expiratory flow at 25% of the FVC (FEF25%), maximum expiratory flow at 50% of the FVC (FEF50%), maximum expiratory flow at 75% of the FVC (FEF75%), and maximum expiratory flow between 25 to 75% of the FVC (FEF25-75%). A total of 77 subjects were included in the study, divided into two groups: a group of prosthetists (32 prosthetists) and a control group (45 individuals). All measured spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV1, Tiffeneau ratio FEV1/FVC, FEF 25%, FEF 50%, FEF 75%, FEF 25-75%) were significantly higher in the control group compared to the prosthetist group. No proximal obstructions were identified, but distal (12 prosthetists) and central (5 prosthetists) obstructions, as well as restriction (5 prosthetists), were more prevalent in the prosthetist group, showing statistically significant differences between the two groups (p≤ 0.05). These findings indicate a compromised ventilatory function in dental technicians compared to the control group. Consequently, a comprehensive risk analysis of Senegalese dental laboratories is recommended to formulate a Single Safety Document, evaluating both the material and technical environment and the efficacy of existing protective measures, considering individual workstations.

Key words: Dental technicians, metal-resins, spirometry, ventilatory function, obstructive ventilatory disorder, restrictive ventilatory disorder.