Dentists need better customer protection
When GSK recently announced that it is to remove zinc from their denture creams, there was outcry from customer protection agencies around the world. Almost at the same time, a US website warned that asbestos fibres found in some dental products can be harmful to dentists. No outcry was heard from the dental community.
Similar to most health professionals, dentists have to face an array of hazards in their daily working lives. These are in the form of not only infectious diseases, but also substances found in dental materials and equipment that pose threats to dentists. Although these threats are not acute, studies have demonstrated that long-term exposure has the potential to damage their health.
Dentists traditionally place much trust in manufacturers, mainly because they have become comfortable using a certain product throughout their career and are hesitant to change. However, they should become more aware that they too are customers and if something seems odd, questions should be raised.
If products can be made safer for the health of the masses, they can certainly be made safer for professionals.
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