Incidence of Needle Stick Injury among The Dental Students and Dental House Officers of Bhitai Medical and Dental College, Mirpur Khas

This study explores the knowledge, experience, and reporting practices related to needlestick injuries (NSIs) among dental students and house officers at Bhitai Dental and Medical College, Mirpur Khas. Conducted as a descriptive cross‑sectional survey, the research assessed the frequency of NSIs and post‑exposure management over the previous 12 months using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 19.

A total of 330 participants took part in the study, including 76.3% dental students and 23.3% house officers. Overall, 63% reported experiencing at least one NSI within the past year. Among those affected, the most common causes were needle re‑capping (31%), local anaesthesia administration (21%), and scaling procedures (19%). Alarmingly, 78.6% of individuals did not report their exposure, largely due to fear of stigmatization and discrimination.

The findings highlight that dental students and house officers remain at significant risk of NSIs, primarily due to limited clinical experience and developing technical skills. While general knowledge about NSIs and cross‑infection control was found to be satisfactory, awareness regarding preventive strategies and institutional protocols was notably lacking. The study emphasizes the urgent need for strengthened training, improved reporting systems, and enhanced preventive measures to ensure a safer clinical environment for future dental professionals.