1. Professional Conduct Personal Hygiene

2. It ’ s necessary for a dental nurse to practice high standards of personal hygiene at all times

3. Hygiene The health through cleanliness

4. Why Personal (self) Hygiene?? 1- Social reasons: DAs work in close proximity to those around her 2- The DA is an essential link in the INFECTION CONTROL CHAIN of the clinic or hospital. If her standard of personal hygiene are poor, she might: a- become sick her self b- Cause other staff or pt to become sick c- Cause family or friends to become sick

5. THE INFECTION CONTROL CHAIN 1- Strong links = the chain is complete 2- One link is weak = the chain is broken

6. Body Hygiene 1- Bath or shower using soap or shower gel at least once daily 2- Removal of body hair 3- Daily use of deodorant body spray

7. Hair 1- Regular shampooing with suitable shampoo for hair type 2- Hair covered & tied back if it ’ s long

8. Oral Hygiene 1- Regular check-up appointments & prompt treatment if required 2- Brushing twice daily & after meals with a fluoride tooth paste 3- Daily use of dental floss 4- Limit sugar food & drink to main mealtimes. Avoid sugary snacks & drinks between meals

9. Hands & Nails Care of hands and nails is especially important

10. Nails 1- Trim short & rounded 2- Keep clean & free from stain 3- No nail polish during clinic

11. Hands 1- Always wear gloves at the appropriate times as you have been taught 2- Use hand creams regularly to keep hands smooth and free from areas of broken skin which might become infected 3- Don ’ t wear rings on the clinic

12. Always Wash Hands 1- On entering & before leaving the clinic area 2- Before putting on & after removing gloves ALWAYS 3- After handling any contaminated materials Or area

13. Always Wash Hands 4- Between carrying out your duties as you have been instructed 5- After handling irritating or toxic materials e.g. monomer in the laboratory 6- Before eating or drinking

14. Always Wash Hands 7- Following using the bathroom 8- After using a tissue paper

15. Laboratory Coats (lab coat) 1- Should cover personal clothing as completely as possible 2- Be of simple design 3- Should be laundered: a- Daily at a temperature of 90 C b- Laundered separately from other clothing c- Laboratory coats which have been soiled with blood, ect should be disinfected in a Clorox Solution prior to laundering at a temperature no less than 90 C

16. Never Eat or Drink in The Clinical or Laboratory Areas

17. Feet 1- Bathe thoroughly at least twice daily using soap & drying carefully between toes 2- Change stockings at least once daily 3- Wear comfortable shoes for clinic with low heels for safety 4- Trim nails short

18. Clothing Clothing worn in the clinical environment can become contaminated by direct or indirect infection. It is therefore necessary to observe the following procedures regarding clothing to reduce the risk of infection

19. Personal Clothing 1- All clothing should be washable at temperature of 60 C fabrics requiring dry cleaning are not suitable 2- All clothing, including underclothing, should be changed & laundered daily 3- Head coverings should be: a- Plain b- Pinned securely without trailing ends c- Changed & launder daily