What are some considerations for providing dental treatment to patients with latex allergy?
Patients with a latex allergy should not have direct contact with latex-containing materials and should be treated in a “latex safe” environment. Such patients also may be allergic to the chemicals used in manufacturing natural rubber latex gloves, as well as to metals, plastics, or other materials used to provide dental care. By obtaining thorough patient health histories and preventing patients from having contact with potential allergens, dental health care professionals can minimize the possibility of patients having adverse reactions. Considerations in providing safe treatment for patients with possible or documented latex allergy include (but are not limited to) the following: • Screen all patients for latex allergy (e.g., obtain their health history, provide medical consultation when latex allergy is suspected). • Be aware of some common predisposing conditions (e.g., spina bifida, urogenital anomalies, or allergies to avocados, kiwis, nuts, or bananas). • Be familiar with the d
