Needle prick

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Just wondering how often does this happen to you? While shadowing, I didn't see any. But when I asked my dentist about it, he said little pricking happens frequently for him...that's crazy.
 
Just wondering how often does this happen to you? While shadowing, I didn't see any. But when I asked my dentist about it, he said little pricking happens frequently for him...that's crazy.

This should not be happening with any regularity. Either the dentist is klutzy or, more likely, he is moving at too a rapid pace that doesn't allow him to be focused, organized or careful. Everyone can work at different paces effectively, but some do work at faster paces better than others. Safety is very, very important.
 
This should not be happening with any regularity. Either the dentist is klutzy or, more likely, he is moving at too a rapid pace that doesn't allow him to be focused, organized or careful. Everyone can work at different paces effectively, but some do work at faster paces better than others. Safety is very, very important.


Agreed. I did research before so I know it just takes only 1 little bugger and it can be a life threatening. He seemed efficient and experienced, but what he said makes me wonder if it occurs often for others too in the field or just him only? Or is he skipping some recommended guidelines by ADA standard or just really sloppy in general that I can't see due to lack of dental knowledge.
 
Agreed. I did research before so I know it just takes only 1 little bugger and it can be a life threatening. He seemed efficient and experienced, but what he said makes me wonder if it occurs often for others too in the field or just him only? Or is he skipping some recommended guidelines by ADA standard or just really in general that I can't see due to lack of dental knowledge.
Not just ADA, but there's a long list of OSHA rules about what you have to do if you (or worse, an employee of yours) experience a potential infectious disease exposure. It's a whole lot easier on everyone to just be careful and avoid them as much as you possibly can. I've been treating patients for a little over a year and a half, and I haven't had any needlesticks (knock on wood). A lot of times it seems due to simple carelessness and an attitude that "I've been doing this forever, it'll never happen to me." There's no substitute for safe technique and paying attention to what you're doing.
 
Not just ADA, but there's a long list of OSHA rules about what you have to do if you (or worse, an employee of yours) experience a potential infectious disease exposure. It's a whole lot easier on everyone to just be careful and avoid them as much as you possibly can. I've been treating patients for a little over a year and a half, and I haven't had any needlesticks (knock on wood). A lot of times it seems due to simple carelessness and an attitude that "I've been doing this forever, it'll never happen to me." There's no substitute for safe technique and paying attention to what you're doing.

Do you get fine for it? Are there legal class that covers OSHA or other legal stuff in dental school?
 
Do you get fine for it? Are there legal class that covers OSHA or other legal stuff in dental school?

Should you or anyone get stuck at your dental school or in a dental office office, there is OSHA protocol that must be followed. This includes sending and paying for the employee and/or patient that are involved in the incident subsequent doctor's visit and testing. There is paperwork that must be filled out documenting the event. I am saying this to the best of my knowledge, as, very fortunately, we have not had this problem, and we've been at our office over 22 years. I do not know of any legal action that would be taken if it were truly an accident, but I am sure OSHA could come and pay a visit to your office to see how well you are complying with regulations. There are a lot of regulations.

It is very important and required for every office to have annual OSHA meetings for the staff and doctors. The dentist/owner is required to pay for the course and pay employees their regular wage for the time they spend attending the course. OSHA requires keeping records of many things, including how often equipment is to be checked, cleaned, etc. and has established safety standards not just for dental offices, but hospitals and construction sites as well. Every office will have it's own OSHA manual, so this information is accessible.

It is not often that doctors or staff get stuck, but accidents can happen even under the best of circumstances. Safe protocol and an eye to enforcing safety regulations should keep sticks and headaches to a minimum. Sticks are just not a common event.
 
i know plenty who have gotten sticks. myself included... even though it was at 3am from a drunk bum! Thank god his HIV, HepB/C came back negative!😡
 
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