A descriptive study of percutaneous injuries in National Healthcare Group POLYCLINICS dental clinics in Singapore from 2014 to 2020.

Abstract

Introduction: All dental staff face risk of percutaneous injuries (PCI)s. Blood-borne diseases may be transmitted to staff via contaminated sharp instruments. Hence there are significant impacts on staff when PCIs occur. Though a PCI is an occupational hazard, it is preventable.

Aim: This study aims to identify factors associated with PCIs among dental staff by evaluating the circumstances and staff designations involved.

Methods: PCIs were reported through an electronic incident reporting system from 2014 to 2020. Reports involved their nature and extent. Statistical analysis was carried out to find associations between factors such as injury site, type of instrument and staff designation.

Results: A total of 63 PCIs were included in this study. The type of instrument was found to be significantly associated with staff designation (p = 0.04, p < 0.05) with significantly more dental burs causing injury in dentists and more injuries caused by 'other instruments' in health attendants (p = 0.0083). Majority of PCIs occurred in dentists, then dental assistants and health attendants. Staff designation was significantly associated with the instance where PCIs occurred (p < 0.001). Dentists and dental assistants were more likely to sustain injuries during a dental procedure than before procedure and after procedure (p = 0.0167). The mean incidence of PCIs among our dentists was 15.6/100.

Conclusions: All dental staff are at risk of PCIs however dentists sustain the highest number of PCIs. Needles, dental burs and metal matrices are the top three instruments. Targeted interventions might help prevent/reduce PCIs.