Knowledge , Attitude and Practice (KAP) of Fifth Year Undergraduate Dental Students on Post Exposure Prophylaxis

needle stick injury is inevitable. Needle stick injury is defined as penetration of a sharp instrument into the body of a healthcare professional, exposing them to high-risk body fluids.

Cutaneous injuries are the most common cause of infection transmission from patient to dentist. The causes of such injuries have been reported as 37% from dental burs , 30% from syringes , 6% from orthodonticwires , 3% from suture needles, 1% from blades and 2% from other sharp instruments .

Since high-risk exposure is unavoidable, dentists should be aware of post-exposure protocols to prevent infection .