Infection Control (Dentistry)

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Understanding Infections

Understanding what infections are and knowing which infectious diseases commonly threaten you and our patients can help you prevent their spread.

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Understand the chain of infection. Give examples of the modes of transmission. Identify common diseases that may be transmitted in the dental field.

Common Infectious Diseases Common infectious diseases in the dental industry put you and our patients at risk.

Tuberculosis (TB) Tuberculosis is a lung infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is easily spread through sneezing, coughing, singing, or simply singing.

It is a disease that may stay dormant in the lungs for many years, so remember to ask patients for their medical history. Ask for any TB history and limit treatment for pain relief for active TB patients.

Acquired immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus which attacks the immune system. Right now, it is not a legal requirement to disclose HIV status or health history.

In the dental industry, the way AIDS gets transmitted is through the accidental sharing of needles from dental procedures. On the off chance that this happens, antiretroviral drugs may reduce the possibility of contraction.

Hepatitis Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A spreads through food or water contaminated with human faeces, while Hepatitis B, C, and D spread through direct contact with blood or body fluids.

The CDC recommends that you and all other dental staff be vaccinated against hepatitis B to prevent possible spread.

Standards in Infection Control

Dental personnel are constantly exposed to dangerous illnesses or diseases.

Because of this threat, infection control is essential in dentistry.

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Define terms related to infection control. Recognize the standard safety precautions. Understand the components of infection control.

Aseptic Technique The aseptic technique is cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments and machines. Proper handwashing throughout the day and cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental equipment after every use on a patient are aseptic techniques you must adhere to.

Patient Screening and Evaluation Always remember to note patient information when they visit the clinic. Check for medical history and current medical condition. Ask if they have experienced any recent illnesses. It would also be helpful to have thermometers at the clinic's entrance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards 2013 covers the use of PPE in the dental industry. PPE prevents your skin, eyes, nose, mouth, and mucous membrane from coming into contact with a patient's bodily fluid.

Instrument Sterilization Dental instruments need to be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized correctly. Sterilizing instruments before and after use is necessary to reduce or eliminate the possible spread of infectious diseases.

Environment Disinfection Viruses and bacteria do not only stay in the dental instruments. They can also stay in office equipment and the dental chair. It is essential to clean, disinfect, and sanitize the clinic's dental chair and other items.

Protection from Infections

After understanding the components of infection control in the previous lesson, this lesson will explain how to protect yourself from infections.

Lesson Objectives At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify the personal protective equipment for dental work. Understand how to disinfect dental equipment. Follow dental safety procedures.

Masks Masks you must wear are well-constructed and have a sound filtration system and a tight seal at the bridge of the nose to prevent eyewear fogging. Be sure to change your mask after every patient or when it gets wet or soiled. Never touch your mask with dirty hands.

Protective Eyewear Dangerous pathogens may enter the eyes through the mucous membrane so wear protective eyewear or chin-length face shields. Protect your eyes from blood or bodily fluids containing pathogens and avoid unnecessarily touching your eyes.

Nitrile Gloves Wearing gloves is required to protect you from direct contact with bodily fluids. Never touch your face with contaminated gloves! However, gloves should not be a substitute for handwashing. Always wash your hands before putting on gloves and after taking them off.

Gowns The gowns you wear should be fluid resistant, high necked, and reach the knees to prevent contact with any splatter. Wash reusable gowns and uniforms with hot soapy water and fabric bleach following the Cal-DOSH Bloodborne pathogen Standards.

Loupes Always clean loupes before and after use for every patient. You may use compressed air to remove debris to avoid scratches, rinse them with warm water, or wipe them with a cloth dipped in disinfecting chemicals.

Personal Hygiene Wear clean and fresh uniforms every day. Wash your hands with plain soap and water, dry them, then rub them with alcohol. Dry your hands before putting on your gloves. Keep your fingernails short to avoid trapping dirt or pathogens underneath. Do not touch your face, nose, or mouth if your hands are contaminated. Avoid touching any unnecessary surfaces or equipment.

Suppose there are a lot of patients in the clinic. Little time is allotted between patients so after handwashing, is it necessary to dry your hands?