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

2. The Infectious Process
There are three essential Components
A susceptible HOST
A causative AGENT
A portal of ENTRY
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3. Chain of Asepsis
Therefore by eliminating any ONE of the three components :
An infection cannot occur
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4. Significant Concepts
Universal Precautions
Risk assessment
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. Reducing Contamination
Remove unecessary items from counter tops
Use overgloves when maintaining clinical records
Use transfer forceps to access additional supplies or instruments
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13. 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
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14. The End
2002