IADR Abstract Archives

Accidental Occupational Injuries in a South African Dental School

Objective: Dental health workers and students are exposed to percutaneous injuries during their clinical work. This places them at risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens which can result in transmission of serious blood transmitted diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of percutaneous injuries among students and dental health care workers at MOHC, school of dentistry of the University of Limpopo Medusa Campus over a 6 year period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of data collecting regarding percutaneous injuries between 2001-2006 were analyzed according to the type of injuries, occupational status of the injured, type of exposure, HIV status of those injured as well the PEP access of the injured.

Results: There were 60 recorded cases found during the 6 year analyses period. The majority of exposure occurred among the dental students at 78%, followed by doctors at 10% then dental assistants, nurses and cleaners at 7% and 5% respectively. The most noted type of injury was needle prick (93%). 45 % of the sample indicated no seroconversion whilst 55% status was unknown.

Conclusion: Post exposure prophylaxis is essential in accidental occupational exposures, as it reduces the risk of HIV infection. However, students and staff have to practice primary prevention to avoid exposure to blood borne pathogens.


Division: South African Division
Meeting: 2010 South African Division (Pretoria, South Africa)
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Year: 2010
Final Presentation ID:
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Scientific Groups
Authors
  • Hlongwa, Phumzile  ( University of Pretoria, Pretoria, N/A, South Africa )
  • SESSION INFORMATION
    Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research