title: Sharps injuries in dental practice.
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.
authors.affiliation: United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St. Thomas's, London.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003814:Dentistry, Operative; D005392:First Aid; D006801:Humans; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission