Chapter 3: Infection Control Outline Disease Transmission and Occupational Exposure Infection Control Agencies and Regulations Infection Control Techniques Waste Management Infection Control and the Dental Patient
Disease Transmission Methods of disease transmission Infectious disease is a disease that is contagious or can be spread from one person to another in some way. Pathogens, which are organisms that cause diseases, require a means of entering the body to infect an individual and are transferred from one host (person) to another.
Cross-contamination Patient to dental staff Dental staff to patient Patient to patient Dental staff to family and community
Biohazardous Waste
Occupational Exposure Occupational exposure refers to any reasonably anticipated skin, eye, or mucous membrane contact with blood or infectious materials that may result from the performance of duties.
OSHA Occupation Exposure Categories
Infection Control Agencies and Regulations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for infection control in dental healthcare settings—2003 Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Implementing office policies and maintaining records
OSHA Rules
Infection Control Techniques Standard precautions Safety measures in the dental office Immunization Hepatitis vaccine Personal protective equipment Face masks and eyewear Medical gloves Uniforms Hand washing
Personal Protective Equipment
Hand Washing
Waste Management Classification of waste Biohazardous waste Regulated waste Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Biohazard Symbol
Infection Control and the Dental Patient Infection control measures for the patient Education responsibility to the patient
Review Questions 1. What are some cross-contamination ways that could develop between patient and dental staff? 2. What are standard precautions? 3. What are the three personal protective equipment used? 4. What is the most important procedure in minimizing the spread of infectious disease and Why? 5. Name some biohazardous waste products in the dental office.