Hepatitis C—A Silent Killer
With increasing numbers of hepatitis C virus infections, oral health professionals need to advise their baby boomer patients to seek testing.
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Single-Use Items and Sterilization
In my dental practice, prophy angles are bagged individually, unlike other single-use items.
Protocol for Post-Exposure Management
I had a small drop of ultrasonic cleaner splash into my eye while sterilizing instruments. I immediately flushed it with saline solution and sterilized my contact. Is there any risk of bloodborne infection?
Create a Culture of Safety
Dental practices that foster safety in the workplace may see improved treatment outcomes and more satisfied patients and employees.
Tips for Successfully Serving as Infection Control Coordinator
Myriad resources are available for dental professionals who serve in this important role.
Ensure Successful Sterilization In Any Dental Office
I work as a temporary dental hygienist in many dental offices. In one practice, the dental assistants bag the dental instruments for sterilization but do not completely close the pouches (leaving their adhesive stickers intact).
How Long Can Aerosols Linger in the Dental Operatory?
I learned during a recent continuing education course that the use of ultrasonic scalers is no longer contraindicated for patients with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Per universal precautions, I understand…
How Do Cassettes Protect Clinicians From Sharps Injuries?
The dental assistants I work with open the cassettes or take contaminated instruments out of the cassettes before they put them in the ultrasonic cleaner. I informed them that the point of the cassettes and the ultrasonic cleaner is to…
Manage the Threat
Oral health professionals need to be well informed about emerging infectious diseases in order to reduce their associated risks.
How Can I Protect Myself Against Pathogenic Transmission?
I am starting a position in a practice that serves a large number of patients who are medically compromised due to infectious diseases. I know wounds and needle sticks that occur during dental procedures are a common avenue of pathogenic…
