Small injuries, big consequences

Working in any healthcare role comes with risks. In dentistry, one common threat is needlestick injuries. Though wounds created by needles tend to be small, they can potentially lead to significant consequences, especially when treating patients who are carrying an infectious disease.

But how common are these injuries and what can dental professionals do should they experience one?

A problem for all professionals

Over the years, many studies have been performed to assess the prevalence of needlestick injuries in dental settings. Whilst numbers do vary, the main takeaway is that in each group of dental professionals researched, the vast majority have experienced needlestick injuries during the course of their careers.