ABSTRACT
COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China a few months ago (December 2019) and had since become a major challenging public health problem for not only China but also many countries around the world. It was on March 11, 2020, characterized by WHO as a pandemic. The pandemic so far has killed more than 526,465 people and infected more than 11,046,917 people around the world as of 05 July 2020. Nigeria currently has 28,167 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 11,462 (40%) discharged, 16,071 (57%) currently receiving treatment at designated facilities across the country and unfortunately 634 (3%) deaths as at the time of writing this manuscript. As far as the authors are aware, there are little or no work carried out on the implications of COVID-19 on dental practices in Nigeria. Recently, COVID-19 was identified in saliva of infected patients and so transmission via aerosols and splatter generated during dental procedures is sure. To limit exposure, there was a need to avoid scheduling patients except for emergency dental care during this outbreak. This limitation on activities of the dental sector has a very huge impact on the economy of the sector as it has already resulted in serious monetary implications for dental practices worldwide. While dental practices in the high-income countries are getting help from their respective Government, those in the middle and low-income countries like Nigeria have been left to wallow in bankruptcy without support. The authors highly recommend that the Government of these neglected countries, step up and support dental practices that are on the brink of closing down due to the low turnout of patients to their practice during this outbreak.
ABSTRACT
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