Needle stick injuries are often associated with these activities:
- Recapping needles
- Transferring a body fluid between containers
- Failing to dispose of used needles properly in puncture-resistant sharps containers
- The Wisconsin Dental Association currently endorses the HealthFirst mail-back sharps disposal program. American Dental Association members save 10 percent on all Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliant mail-back containers; you can utilize UPS and track compliance certificates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) the pathogens that pose the most serious health risks associated with needle sticks are Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HBV vaccination is recommended for all health care workers however, no vaccine exists to prevent HCV or HIV infection.
Prevention steps include:
- Avoid the use of needles where safe and effective alternatives are available
- Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features that reduce the risk of needle stick injury
- Use devises with safety features provided by your employer
- Avoid recapping needles
- Plan for safe handling and disposal of needles before using them
- Promptly dispose of used needles in appropriate sharps disposal containers
- Tell your employer about any needle stick hazards you observe
- Participate in training related to infection prevention
- Get a Hepatitis B vaccination
The WDA endorsed West Bend Mutual workers’ compensation policies offer a patient needle stick reimbursement program which reimburses the cost of blood tests for dental employees for an accidental contaminated needle stick inquiry while working at the dentist’s office, according to the blood borne pathogen standard.
What to do in the event of an accidental needle stick:
- Flush the affected area with water
- Notify the doctor of the incident
- Request the dental patient obtain a blood test
- Blood borne pathogens require three standard blood tests:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- If the office workers’ compensation policy is with West Bend Mutual, have the patient complete the West Bend Mutual “Needle Stick Reimbursement Form” and forward the reimbursement form and a copy of the original bill to [email protected] or
West Bend Mutual Insurance Co
1900 S. 18th Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
The doctor must notify their workers’ compensation carrier. For West Bend Mutual, file a claim for staff testing by calling 877-922-5246.
Take time at your dental team meetings to discuss needle stick prevention, response to a needle stick and proper sharps disposal to ensure a safe environment. For needle stick reimbursement forms or additional information, please contact your team at Professional Insurance Programs at 414-277-0154.
