Being a Dentist Can Be Dangerous – Sharps
Yes, very dangerous.
A sharps injury could be caused during any Exposure Prone Procedure (EPP), that’s double speak for when gloved hands of the dentist or the nurse, may be in contact with sharp instruments, such as:
- Scalpel
- Anaesthetic needle tips
- Suture needles
- Sharp scaling instruments
- Probes
- Ultrasonic tips
- Drills tip
- Endodontic files
- Implant drills
- Extraction instruments
- The process of drilling can cut
- Sharp teeth, fillings
- Sharp matter as a result of drilling bone, teeth, filling, dentures, crowns.
The wound is not only on the hands but can also get in eye or inhaled or swallowed, hence the need for glasses, mask, gloves and gowns.
Also, there is the transmission of infections can occur such as blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
However, this risk is also greatly reduced with the use of suction removes a great deal of the debris and aerosol contamination.
The story does not end there. The instruments need to be cleaned which is dangerous in itself for the staff. Thankfully many sharp items are disposable, but this also needs care.
If any injury occurs then protocols need to be followed, such as blood tests, notifying patients who also may need blood tests. There is management of the wound, and notification protocols.
Yes, being a dentist is a biohazard.
We will continue this series, later on being careful as a dentist is an understatement!
Need an Appointment?
If you’d like to book an appointment with the dentist at Seymour Dental then call us in Dulwich Hill, Sydney on (02) 9564 2397 or
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Team Miroma - What does Inala do and why we run