Sharps injuries are among the most common occupational hazards in dentistry. Many happen not during procedures but during clean-up and instrument reprocessing. A few consistent habits greatly reduce the risk.
During procedures
- Use a neutral zone on the tray for passing sharps rather than hand-to-hand passing.
- Recap needles with a one-handed scoop technique or a recapping device.
- Announce when passing a sharp instrument.
- Keep sharps pointed away from yourself and others.
After procedures
- Remove blades with a blade remover, never with fingers.
- Dispose of needles and blades immediately in a sharps container at the chairside.
- Return instruments to the cassette before transport.
During cleaning
- Wear heavy-duty utility gloves.
- Use cassettes and ultrasonic cleaners rather than hand scrubbing.
- If manual cleaning is unavoidable, use a long-handled brush and keep instruments under water.
- Never reach blindly into a container of instruments.
Sharps containers
Place containers within reach of the point of use, do not overfill them and close them securely when they are full.
If an injury occurs
Follow your clinic’s exposure protocol immediately: wash the area, report the injury and seek medical advice as required by local guidance.
How kit design helps
Cassettes reduce handling of individual instruments. See why cassettes matter.
