Self-reported needle-stick injuries among dentists in north Jordan

Abstract

The incidence of needle-stick injuries and the reporting attitudes among dentists in the north of Jordan were assessed with a cross-sectional survey. The study included 170 general dental practitioners [‎119 males and 51 females]‎, of whom 113 [‎66.5%]‎ were injured within the preceding 12 months. Needle-stick injury was significantly associated with higher age and a higher number of patients treated daily. Of those who were injured, 77.9% did not report the injury. Reasons for not reporting needle-stick injury were: because it took place before use on a patient [‎41.2%]‎, ignorance of the risk [‎20.8%]‎, being busy [‎25.0%]‎ and dissatisfaction with follow-up procedures [‎13.0%]‎. The study highlights the need for continuous education programmes about handling of sharp dental instruments and reporting injuries