THE DENTAL MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH NATURAL-RUBBER LATEX ALLERGY

Reports of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased d uring the past two decades with both dental personnel and patients bei ng affected. A dental management protocol is outlined for patients who have latex allergy. This includes: the identification of patients at high risk for developing latex allergy; the creation of a controlled,' latex free' environment in the dental surgery; and the provision of em ergency drugs and equipment that are free from natural rubber latex an d may be required for the management of an allergic reaction.