Hepatitis C Transmission Highlights Need for Infection Control

Hepatitis C Transmission Highlights Need for Infection Control

In light of the recent confirmation of the first patient-to-patient transmission of hepatitis C in a dental setting—due to lax infection control practices in the office of a Tulsa, Oklahoma-based oral surgeon—the American Dental Association (ADA) has issued a statement reaffirming that patient safety remains its top priority. To further address potential concerns of clinicians and patients, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene spoke to John Molinari, PhD, an ADA spokesperson on infection control, infectious diseases, and allergic reactions.

Molinari stresses that the majority of oral health professionals do their part to employ infection control protocols, as set forth by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003. These guidelines have been expanded upon by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is responsible for monitoring these practices at the state level. Administration officials review all reports of infection control breaches, either through written communication, site inspection, or both.

Oral health professionals are well aware that the cross-contamination of potentially infectious pathogens can be prevented by strictly following CDC and OSHA protocols. Familiarity with the guidelines, however, does not eliminate potential risk. Molinari notes that needle stick injuries and ensuring effective sterilization are two areas that can be problematic. “Needles should be handled using single-handed recapping, with care taken to avoid needle pricks—as this is the most frequent cause of person-to-person infection in medical settings. And because sterilizers are the end-point for instruments prior to reuse, they must be closely monitored to ensure their efficacy,” Molinari explains. “In the Oklahoma case,” he adds, “the sterilizer had not been spore tested for years.”

Molinari also emphasizes the importance of communication among dental team members when answering patients’ questions regarding the dental office’s safety and infection control practices. “Each member of the dental team needs to send the same message. Patients look for consistency, which builds trust,” he notes. “This unified approach is like a chain-link fence: Every chain reinforces the next, so it’s important they remain connected.” Being prepared to discuss the dental office’s infection control policies and procedures while remaining open to thoroughly addressing individual concerns can help reassure patients that the provision of care is safe.

Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter

October 2013