Jill Hormann RDH, BSDH, MSDH

Professor Hormann received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry in 2015. Following graduation, she practiced full-time as a dental hygienist before pursuing her career goal of becoming a dental hygiene educator. In 2019, Professor Hormann received her Master of Science in Dental Hygiene degree from the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry. In 2020, Professor Hormann was offered a position with the Division of Dental Hygiene. Currently, Professor Hormann serves as a part-time clinical assistant professor in clinic and didactic courses including: Dental Anatomy, Embryology & Histology, Clinical Application II, and Local Anesthesia & Pain Management.

Psychological Effects of Sharps Injuries on Students, Faculty and Staff in a Dental School Setting

Jill C. Hormann, MSDH, RDH et al.

Abstract

Purpose: Dental health care professionals (DHCP) are routinely exposed to occupational hazards, such as sharps, putting them at risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens in addition to experiencing psychological effects post-injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological effects of sharps injuries for students, faculty, and staff at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (UMN SOD).

Methods: A mixed-mode, electronic and paper, research design was used for the 51-item survey. Participants were recruited from the UMN SOD and included students, faculty, and staff. The survey consisted of items from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Modified Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Scores were compared between participants who had and those who had not experienced a sharps injury in the past year.

Results: A total of 262 surveys were included in the statistical analysis for a 23.5% response rate. Fifty-six participants (21%) self-reported a sharps injury within the past year. Of those respondents, over half (67%) reported experiencing feelings of anxiety and increased stress (50%) while waiting for blood test results.

Conclusion: A majority of participants who reported a sharps injury felt anxious and/or stressed during the month following the injury. While participants may have experienced overall increased stress and anxiety, these findings were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to assess the psychological effects of sharp injuries in DHCPs.

Keywords: dental health care professionals, sharps injuries, percutaneous injuries, blood borne pathogens, occupational stress

This manuscript supports the NDHRA priority area Professional development: Occupational health (determination and
assessment of risks).

Submitted for publication: 6/30/20; Accepted 11/17/20