Safe Needle Handling During Dental Treatment – Infection Control

In order to prevent needle sticks, OSHA prohibits dental practitioners from performing unsafe work practices during needle handling. During patient care, it is important to always handle contaminated needles safely:

• Do not pass or accept exposed contaminated needles to/from another person.
• Do not bend, break, or remove contaminated needles before disposal.
• Recap needle using the scoop method or a mechanical capping device prior to removing them from the nondisposable aspirating syringes.
• Dispose of contaminated needles in an approved sharps container as close as feasible to where the needles were used in the operatories. Do not place contaminated needles on the instrument tray to be retrieved/processed back in the sterilization area.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.