Initial Medical teamed up with the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) for an up-to-date 2025 survey on inoculation injuries in dental care, and the results tell us changes can and should be made in practice.
The results found around 51% of dental nurses have had an inoculation injury, with 76% of those affected having multiple injuries throughout their career.
This suggests that not only are accidents somewhat common, but that opportunities for change may not be taken. Once the risks of inoculation injuries are understood, dental teams can use accidents to assess workflows, and implement safer standards throughout the practice.
The risks of a sharp injury
If a clinician has an inoculation injury, damage can be caused by the wound, and further risks are posed by the potential exposure to infections, such as bloodborne viruses (BBVs). The most common forms of BBVs, and their estimated prevalence in the UK population, include:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, <0.3%)
- Hepatitis B (HBV, <1%)
- Hepatitis C (HCV, <0.5%)
Only a small number of injuries lead to serious illness, but the anxiety around the topic can also have a significant effect on dental professionals.
To avoid this anxiety, dental teams need to ensure that all professionals understand how to minimise exposure risks, and their responsibilities when an injury occurs.
Who is affected?
Sharps injuries can impact any clinician or patient, but non-clinical staff are also heavily impacted.
Between 2012 and 2022, the NHS processed 1,947 successful claims for professionals affected by needlestick injuries. 1,460 of these were attributed to ancillary workers (including cleaners, porters, laundry and maintenance staff), and 432 were for clinical team members.
Sharps injury prevention
One of the most helpful in the range of safe sharps guidance is the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
This piece of legislation breaks down every step of the workflow, from preparing to use a medical sharp, to discarding it. It reminds clinicians to consider whether a safer sharp device could be used at any time, and to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as puncture-resistant gloves or finger coverings.
Training should also be provided to all dental team members, ensuring they know how to work safely with the sharp equipment used in everyday care. This could include needles, scalers, and probes.
What needs to change?
The survey found that a third of injuries occurred after an item was used, but prior to disposal. Reviewing this stage in staff training is essential.
Dental professionals need to be aware of recapping procedures, which should be avoided unless it is deemed a solution to another risk (such as contaminating a sterile space). If necessary, an appropriate device such as a needle-block should be used.
Enabling feedback
As mentioned, a sharps injury can be incredibly stressful for those involved. All instances of percutaneous injury should lead to the employer being notified, inviting a complete investigation. This shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity to point blame, but instead enact safe, effective change.
Safely supporting this culture of honesty ensures all injuries are managed appropriately, for the benefit of the clinical team.
Put protection in place
When clinicians use sharps items, disposing of them safely gives the best chance to avoid unnecessary injuries. Sharps bins must be close to the point of use, and be designed to avoid puncture.
The Eco Sharps Bins from Initial Medical are completely compliant with current regulations, with clear colour-coding and labelling for waste segregation. They are made from 40% recycled plastic, and are puncture-resistant and seepage-proof to minimise the risk of injury.
You can find more support for your sharps waste management workflows by contacting the Initial Medical team today.