New dimethacrylate monomer Bis-EFMA was synthesized and used to prepare Bis-GMA-free dental resin and composite materials. Studies of the experimental materials showed that Bis-EFMA-based resin matrix and composite materials had improved properties compared to Bis-GMA-based resin matrix and composite materials, respectively. Compared with the commercial dental composite material Z250, Bis-EFMA-based composite showed similar or improved properties except for a lower FS after water immersion. Based on the presented results, Bis-EFMA has potential to be used in commercial dental composites.

The European Commission’s independent Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) recently published its risk assessment of exposure to BPA via medical devices that are manufactured with materials that potentially leach BPA leading to oral (via dental material), subcutaneous and intravenous (e.g. during hemodialysis) routes of exposure.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a key building block of polycarbonate plastic and a precursor for the manufacturing of monomers of epoxy resins. The BPA exposure of the general population is via food as a result of the use of BPA in food packaging and via skin as a result of contact with thermal paper. The vast majority of the population (91–99%) has detectable levels of BPA-conjugates in their urine. BPA is also present in medical devices including implants, catheters, tubing, and some dental materials.

Dental research has shown that small quantities of BPA and phthalates are eluted from resin-based materials and may be traced in saliva for a short period of time.

The resin composition influences the water sorption and solubility behaviour of composite resin materials. The HPLC analysis of eluted components revealed that triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was the main monomer released. Maximal monomer concentration in the eluate was observed after 7 days.