Awareness of needlestick injuries among the dental health professionals at Lahore medical and dental college

Health care associated transmission of blood borne diseases has always been an important public and medical concern worldwide. Objective of this study was to assess the degree of awareness of needle stick injuries among dental health professionals working at LMDC. Dental students during clinical training are at high risk for needle stick injury while administering local anesthesia. This fact has been known for the past few decades to be the founder of several blood borne diseases such as Hepatitis B [HBV], C [HCV] and AIDS [HIV]. Several studies have reported the high incidence of such practice among dental students and graduates. Study was conducted on 139 Dental Health Professionals at the Lahore Medical and Dental College in the year 2010 based upon questionnaire developed by a team of senior faculty members. Exposure to needle stick injury was found among 63[45%] subjects. 118 [85%] of Dental health professional were found to be aware of precautionary measures and first aid management for a needle stick injury respectively. The number of Dental Health Professionals who had been vaccinated for Hepatitis B [HBV] 121 [87%] and those who had never been vaccinated were 18 [13%]. Among nonvaccinated group 90% were Dental assistants. Proper work practices and continued Education seminars and workshops regarding awareness of needle stick injuries have the prime importance of creating awareness. The prevention and management protocol for such injury should be displayed in the clinical departments of all institutions. These steps will assure safe practicing methodology among dental health professionals