Impact of educational intervention dental students’ competence in managing injuries caused by sharp objects: A quasi-experimental study

Introduction and aims: Sharp body injuries commonly occur during dental procedures. Diseases transmitted in this way are among the most common infectious and dangerous diseases. Since training related to this issue is provided at the university, in this study, we examined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practice habits of Qazvin dental students while such injuries are encountered and their changes after an educational intervention. Methods: In this before-after study that included all dental students in clinical courses (DDS 22’–DDS 25’), their knowledge, attitudes, and practice habits regarding sharp object injuries were assessed using a questionnaire designed by the authors. It contained 34 questions: 10 on knowledge, 7 on attitudes, and 17 on practice habits. The educational video was shown immediately after completing the questionnaire, and then after a 2-week interval, it was answered again. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with chi-square and one-way analyses of variance. Results: Eighty-seven students completed the questionnaires before and after the educational intervention. This study revealed significant differences in immediate post-injury performance knowledge (P = 0.001), PEP (P = 0.025), and capping (P = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the extent of the injury with a sharp object based on sex or age. There was a significant relationship between the students’ year of university entry and their extent of injury with a sharp object (P = 0.025). Most of students (67.8%) did not know how to function properly after a sharp object injury, and the highest percentage of sharp object injuries occurred during the 7th semester. Additionally, 60.7% of the students did not report their injuries. Conclusions: Dental students are among the most vulnerable groups of healthcare workers. Educational content, particularly visual aids, can enhance dental students' knowledge of reporting sharp object injuries, accident management, and post-exposure prophylaxis.