Sharps injuries in dental practice. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Sharps injuries in dental practice.

Prim Dent Care. 1998 Jan;5(1):33-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98187014
Robinson P; United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's, London.

Abstract: Sharps injuries are common in dental practice and may allow transmission of blood-borne viruses. The transmission rates of hepatitis B (HBV) to non-vaccinated recipients, hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after a needlestick injury are 6-30%, 2.7-10% and 0.1-0.3% respectively. Five strategies to prevent percutaneous injuries in dental surgeries are considered: a universal level of infection-control, surgery design, working practices, glove use and vaccinations. First-aid for sharps injuries and post-exposure management of those involving sources with HBV and HIV are described. Anticipation, planning and training can reduce the incidence of injuries and minimise their impact.
Keywords: *Accidents, Occupational/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Dentistry, Operative *Needlestick Injuries/PREVENTION & CONTROLKWDaccidents,occupational/prevention&controlKWDdentistry,operativeKWDneedlestickinjuries/prevention&control
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Copyright © 1998 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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