Determine the Risk Associated with the Exposure

Recording and reporting occupational injuries should be in accordance with state and federal requirements. When an occupational exposure occurs, the circumstances of the incident should be recorded on a form appropriate for the oral healthcare setting (Box 1). To determine the risk associated with the exposure record the type of fluid (blood, OPIM, concentrated virus) and the type of exposure (percutaneous, mucous membrane, nonintact skin, bites).¹⁹

Box 1. Sample Uniform Needlestick and Sharp Object Injury Report Form.

Box 1. Sample Uniform Needlestick and Sharp Object Injury Report Form.