Infection Control and Dental Care Brenda Leggett 5/10/2019

The Infectious Process There are three essential Components A susceptible HOST A causative AGENT A portal of ENTRY 2002

Chain of Asepsis Therefore by eliminating any ONE of the three components : An infection cannot occur 2002

Significant Concepts Universal Precautions Risk assessment 2002

Universal Precautions Are a set of RISK Reduction measures Based on the principle that health histories and examinations may NOT reliably identify disease carriers Must be used when exposed to blood contaminated saliva as well as blood 2002

Universal Precautions Health care workers should use when encountering blood or other body fluids Supporting information and examples Relates to : the proper handling of sharps The use of barriers as personal protection 2002

RISK ASSESSMENT Health care workers should evaluate the risk of infection for each care situation Blood is the most important transmitter of disease, so procedures involving contact with blood need MAXIMUM protection 2002

Categories of Risk Task level Exposure Type Barrier precautions Surgery, periodontal Care Exposure to blood, or blood contaminated saliva( may involve aerosols) Maximum protection Examinations, radiographs Involves intact mucosal contact with no anticipated splatter Moderate protection gloves recommended- masks, eyewear optional Consultations, etc. No exposure to blood or body fluids None required 2002

Levels of Disinfection High level Some, but not all bacterial spores are killed Intermediate level Kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis Low level Kills most bacteria, some fungi, and some viruses NOT SUITABLE for dental instruments or surfaces 2002

Recommended decontamination Categort of object Definition Type of decontamination Critical Instruments that penetrate oral tissues e.g scalers Sterilization is required due to exposure to blood Semi-critical Instruments that contact intact mucous membranes e.g. air/water tips Sterilization if possible. If susceptible to heat damage use high level disinfection Non-critical Equipment with no exposure to blood e.g. mixing slabs Intermediate level disinfection 2002

Use of Barriers As an alternative to INTERMEDIATE level disinfection, barrier surfaces such as : Light handles X-ray units Chair buttons Saves time, protects against damage from disinfectants 2002

Reducing Contamination Remove unecessary items from counter tops Use overgloves when maintaining clinical records Use transfer forceps to access additional supplies or instruments 2002

Reducing Contamination Use disposable items Minimize aerosols by: Use of rubber dam Have client use pre-op rinse Use high volume suction Proper handling of sharps and contaminated waste 2002

The End 2002