Evaluation of Dental Students’ Awareness of Latex Allergy

Aim Latex allergy represents a significant occupational risk for dental professionals due to intensive and prolonged exposure to latex-containing materials during clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels, sensitivity status, and preventive attitudes of dental students regarding latex allergy.Material and method The online questionnaire included sections on demographic characteristics, susceptibility to latex allergy, and knowledge and attitudes regarding its prevention and management. Of the 688 invited students, 385 complete questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Knowledge scores were evaluated under the domains of definition, diagnosis, prevention, and risk groups. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and post-hoc analyses, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.Results Among the participants, 27% reported experiencing glove-related problems, while 80.2% stated that they had not received any education on latex allergy. Latex gloves were the most frequently used type (56.1%), and 36.4% reported using powdered gloves. Knowledge scores increased significantly with advancing class level (p < 0.001), although overall scores remained low. The most frequently recognized symptom was skin rash (36.6%), whereas respiratory and systemic manifestations were less well known. Healthcare workers and rubber industry employees were the most commonly identified risk groups, while individuals undergoing repeated surgical procedures were poorly recognized.Conclusion Dental students demonstrated insufficient knowledge and awareness regarding latex allergy, despite their high occupational exposure risk. The findings highlight the need for structured and early educational interventions within undergraduate dental curricula to improve awareness, preventive behaviors, and occupational safety.main