Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice of Dentists and Assistants in Dental Clinics and Incidence of Sharp Instrument Injuries in Rafsanjan

Injuries caused by sharp instruments are the most important problems that expose dentists and healthcare workers to dangerous blood-borne diseases (AIDS and hepatitis). The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of needle stick injuries; and the knowledge and practice of dentists and their assistants about prevention and encountering the injuries caused by sharp instruments in Rafsanjan in 2013.
In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, a researcher-made questionnaire (demographic information, knowledge and practice about reducing exposure and post-exposure practice) were completed by 100 dentists and 115 dental assistants. Data were analyzed using two-sample t-test and linear regression by SPSS 18.
During one year, 25% of dentists and 31.1% of assistants were injured by sharp instruments. The mean score of practice and knowledge in dentists was 3.31±0.70 and 3.91±1.49 from the maximum score of 10 and 11. The mean score of practice in assistants was 1.98±0.63 from the maximum score of 9. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and practice score, and gender, age, length of professional experience, and training university. Professional dentists compared to the general dentists showed better practice and knowledge (P=0.03, P=0.01). There was no significant relationship between dentists knowledge and assistants practice (P=0.063) and also between dentists practice and assistants practice (P=0.071).
The knowledge and practice level of dentists about sharp instrument injuries and also their assistants’ practice was undesirable and implementing re-education programs seems to be necessary.