Occupational risks and hepatitis B vaccination status of dental auxiliaries in Nigeria

To assess the occupational exposure to needlestick and sharps injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among dental auxiliaries. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 83 dental auxiliaries was conducted that included 12 technologists, 11 therapists, 53 nurses/surgical assistants, and 7 record officers. The survey included demography, history of needlestick and sharps injury, hepatitis B vaccination, knowledge and attitude towards HIV-infected patients, and the dental auxiliaries' information needs on HIV-related issues. Of the 83 dental auxiliaries, 34 [41%] had experienced needlestick and sharps injury in the last 12 months. At the time of the study, only 43 [51.8%] had been immunized against hepatitis B. 62 [74.7%] of the respondents thought that it was easier to contract HIV than hepatitis B through needlestick in a dental clinic. 21 [25.3%] would not assist dentists treating HIV-positive patients. However, 76 [91.6%], a majority, agreed that they needed more information on HIV-related issues, with 59 [71.1%] specifying a single area of need and 17 [20.5%] more than one area of need. The single areas of need specified in descending order were infection control [n=22, 26.5%], HIV counseling [n=12, 14.5%], oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS [n=11, 13.3%], postexposure prophylaxis [n=9, 10.8%], and antiretroviral therapy [n=5, 6.0%]. The data from this survey underscore the urgent need for educational interventions to encourage safe work practices. Hepatitis B vaccination, HIV-related knowledge and proper postexposure prophylaxis are needed to prevent occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses

Mucocele of the glands of Blandin-Nuhn: report of 2 cases

This report describes two cases of mucocele of the glands of Blandin-Nuhn [the anterior lingual salivary glands]. Both patients were males, aged 19 and 24 years, respectively. There was no history of trauma in either case as possible initiating cause. In one patient, there was interference with speech, mastication and deglutition. In the other case, the patient had a previous surgery for removal of the sublingual gland the but the swelling recurred. Treatment of the two mucoceles was by excision of the involved glands. Histologically, one case was an extravasation mucocele and the other was a retention mucocele