Development of a toxicity evaluation program for dental materials and products. II. Screening for systemic toxicity.

A series of systemic toxicity tests for various types of compounds are presented with illustrative data and discussed in regard to their relevance as potential screening tests for dental compounds and products. In developing and marketing a new dental material, it is important not only to ensure safety for the patient but also for the dentist, dental assistant, and laboratory worker who routinely handles and uses the product. Data are presented on a number of commercially available dental products as well as various chemical entities, which were tested by one or more of the methods described.