J Dent Hyg Sci.  2022 Jun;22(2):108-114. 10.17135/jdhs.2022.22.2.108.

The Actual Condition and an Alternative of Students in the Department of Dental Hygiene about Dental Instrument Injuries during Clinical Practice

• Yoo EH
• Oh HY

• KMID: 2530863
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17135/jdhs.2022.22.2.108

Abstract

Background
Students in the department of dental hygiene are exposed to injections and sharp instruments during clinical practice. Therefore, it is necessary to develop measures for a safe practice environment. This study aimed to investigate dental stabbing accidents caused by dental instruments during clinical practice among students in the department of dental hygiene and suggest appropriate preventative measures.
Methods
This study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2016, with students in the department of dental hygiene located at several universities in Seoul and Gyeonggi area. The study included 339 participants. A frequency analysis was performed to determine the general characteristics of dental infection control. A cross-analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between dental infection control education, stabbing accident prevention education, and treatment after stabbing accidents with a dental instrument.
Results
Among the participants, 81.1% received dental infection control education and 66.4% received stabbing accident prevention education. Only 50.9% received hepatitis B vaccinations.
Conclusion
Dental infection control education and stabbing accident prevention education were shown to be effective in preventing dental instrument stabbing in students. However, post-accident processing, such as reporting to upper management and medical treatment after the accident, was insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to present a treatment flowchart for dealing with stab accidents in clinical practice for students in the department of dental hygiene and strengthen education.

Keyword

Dental infection control; Infection control; Injuries