What sterilization protocol do you suggest to ensure our instruments are truly sterilized but will be simple for all dental team members to follow?

Although the risk of transmission is low in dental settings, oral health professionals should be knowledgeable of any regulations requiring disclosure of an infectious disease.

Taking basic precautions can help protect patients and dental teams from the cross-transmission of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

I do not wear latex gloves but still have contact dermatitis. What should I do to relieve itchy/pain and how do I prevent it?

Errors and breaches in instrument reprocessing may be avoided by implementing recommended policies and procedures, regardless of the method of sterilization and disinfection used.

Ensuring safe treatment water for routine and surgical procedures requires dental teams to implement effective management strategies for dental unit water systems.

A well-versed infection control coordinator is integral to making sure a site-specific infection control program is both compliant and effective.

What is the protocol for treating a patient with an active cold sore? Do universal precautions cover the risks involved?

Gloves provide the most important barrier to disease transmission.

Treating the dental unit water, flushing the air/waterlines between patients, regular testing of water quality, and following all manufacturer instructions will help dental practices effectively maintain their dental unit waterlines.