Percutaneous Injuries in Nigerian Dentists

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency of percutaneous injuries among Nigerian dentists and to describe the factors associated with the injuries.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey of 160 practicing dentists in Lagos, Ibadan, Ife and Benin.
Result: A total of 208 injuries were reported by 160 dentists or a mean annual injury rate of 1.3. Males has significantly more injured were extra oral. 39 (41.5%) of all the injuries were caused by syringe needles. 93.4% of injuries occurred to the figures and hands. Oral and maxillo-facial surgeons had significantly more injures than other dentists (P=0.035). 71.3% of the injuries occurred during oral surgery procedures. 85.% of the injuries were not reported.
Conclusion: There is need to modification of work practices, continuing dental education programmes and establishment of standard operating procedures for reporting injuries.


NQJHM Vol. 13 (3-4) 2003: pp. 65-68