Latex Allergy — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Rubber dam sheets
Rubber dam sheets are manufactured from natural rubber latex and pose a significant risk to latex-allergic patients, with documented cases of hypersensitivity reactions occurring within minutes of contact. The Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) has issued specific guidance for managing latex allergy in dental practice, requiring latex-free isolation methods for allergic patients. Cotton wool rolls, composite resin, glass ionomer cement, and stainless steel matrix bands are all synthetic materials or non-rubber products that do not contain natural rubber latex. A dentist must identify latex-containing items and have latex-free alternatives available (e.g. rubber dam made from synthetic polymers, nitrile gloves) when treating latex-allergic patients to prevent potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Reference: Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK). Guidance for the Management of Natural Rubber Latex Allergy in Dental Patients and Dental Healthcare Workers (referenced in NHS Tayside Clinical NRL Policy and SDCEP Practice Support Manual on Latex Allergies). https://www.psm.sdcep.org.uk/topics/health-and-safety-general/latex-allergies/