Occupational injuries and exposures among Canadian dentists: the results of a national survey

• Published in: Infection control and hospital epidemiology Vol. 20; no. 5; p. 331
• Main Authors: McCarthy, G M, Koval, J J, MacDonald, J K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.1999
• Subjects: Adult; Canada - epidemiology; Cross Infection - transmission; Dentists - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Infection Control - methods; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Professional Practice - statistics & numerical data; Risk Management - methods; Wounds, Penetrating - epidemiology; Wounds, Penetrating - prevention & control; Canada
• ISSN: 0899-823X
• DOI: 10.1086/501626

To measure the frequency of occupational exposures reported by dentists in Canada and to identify factors associated with occupational exposure. A national mailed survey of a stratified random sample of 6,444 dentists with three follow-up attempts. Weighted data were analyzed using t tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression. The response rate was approximately 66%. Occupational exposures, percutaneous injuries, and mucous membrane exposures in the last year were reported by 67%, 62%, and 29% of respondents, respectively. Fewer than 1% reported exposure to human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B virus (HBV). Respondents reported means of 1.5 mucous membrane and 3.0 percutaneous exposures per year. HBV immunization was reported by 91% of dentists, but of these 28% reported no post-immunization serology. Other reports of suboptimal compliance included use of a postexposure protocol by only 41% and HBV vaccination of all assistants or of hygienists by 74% and 77% of respondents, respectively. Factors associated with percutaneous exposure included non-use of postexposure protocol or puncture-proof containers for sharps disposal, treating > or =20 patients per day, and male gender. Risk factors for mucous membrane exposure included non-use of eye protection or masks. This study provides evidence of the protective effect of puncture-proof containers, eye protection, and masks and raises concerns related to HBV post-immunization serology and postexposure protocols. To reduce risk of infection, educational interventions are required to improve compliance with Universal Precautions, with emphasis on comprehensive HBV immunization and post-immunization serology, the use of barriers, puncture-proof containers for sharps disposal, and postexposure protocols.