Safety needles. New requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration bloodborne pathogens rule

In September 1998, a California Assembly bill was signed into law that requires significant changes to the Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. As of July 1, 1999, all health care employers in the state must begin providing sharps safety devices. For dentistry, this means a shift from the traditional needles to safety needles with engineered built-in safety mechanisms. Some exceptions are provided in this new regulatory change. There is no reliable data on the safety and efficacy of the available devices. This article explores the regulatory changes and begins to provide information on the devices available. Design features, usability by the practitioner, and safety to the patient are important issues to consider when deciding whether these devices are appropriate for dental anesthesia. Most practitioners will find it difficult to conduct an independent evaluation and must rely on information in the professional literature to help guide their decisions.