Occupational injuries and exposures among Canadian dentists: The results of a national survey

OBJECTIVES: To measure the frequency of occupational exposures reported by dentists in Canada and to identify factors associated with occupational exp osure. DESIGN: A national mailed survey of a stratified random sample of 6,444 den tists with three follow-up attempts. Weighted data were analyzed using t te sts, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The response rate was approximately 66%. Occupational exposures, p ercutaneous injuries, and mucous membrane exposures in the last year were r eported by 67%, 62%, and 29% of respondents, respectively. Fewer than 1% re ported exposure to human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B virus (HBV). Respondents reported means of 1.5 mucous membrane and 3.0 percutaneous exp osures per year. HBV immunization was reported by 91% of dentists, but of t hese 28% reported no post-immunization serology. Other reports of suboptima l compliance included use of a postexposure protocol by only 41% and HBV va ccination of all assistants or of hygienists by 74% and 77% of respondents, respectively. Factors associated with percutaneous exposure included non-u se of postexposure protocol or puncture-proof containers for sharps disposa l, treating greater than or equal to 20 patients per day, and male gender. Risk factors for mucous membrane exposure included non-use of eye protectio n or masks. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of the protective effect of punctu re-proof containers, eye protection, and masks and raises concerns related to HBV post-immunization serology and postexposure protocols. To reduce ris k of infection, educational interventions are required to improve complianc e with Universal Precautions, with emphasis on comprehensive HBV immunizati on and post-immunization serology, the use of barriers, puncture-proof cont ainers for sharps disposal, and postexposure protocols.