In outline form, here are some of the main points of infection control for the dental office:
Before the patient is seated for treatment:
All health care workers in direct contact with patients should be immunized against the hepatitis B virus.
Each patient should fill out a thorough medical health history form and this should be updated at each appointment.
Prostheses and appliances to be delivered to the patients should be disinfected before fitting.
Disposable coverings should be placed prior to seating each patient in operatory, and all surfaces should be disinfected.
Take a few seconds to look over the setup to see if anything is missing.
During patient treatment:
Treat all patients as potentially infectious.
Use protective wear and barrier techniques when in contact with body fluids or mucous membranes: gloves, mask, protective eyewear, and gowns, lab coats, or uniforms.
X-ray films that are contaminated should be opened for processing in the darkroom with gloves, being careful not to touch the film. Then, remove the gloves to place film in the developer.
Conduct procedures with the minimum amount of droplets, spatters, and aerosols. Use a rubber dam when appropriate. Use a high-volume aspirator.
Use gloves correctly to protect hands. Wash hands before and after gloving. Change gloves in between each patient. Change gloves that are torn, cut, or punctured.
Avoid injury to hands by being careful with sharp items, placing disposable needles in an appropriate receptacle, and recapping needles using a recommended technique.
Try not to leave the treatment room if at all possible during a procedure.
Use an overglove if answering the phone, writing or going into a drawer.
Don't touch your face or hair.
At end of treatment: discard mask and gloves, wash hands, and remove gown. Change gown between patients and clean face shields and protective eyewear.
Make notes in chart and dismiss patient.
After the patient leaves:
Wear heavy rubber gloves while disinfecting surfaces after each patient and handling instruments.
Clear off all instruments that can be soaked and put them in a container.
Clean all debris from instruments.
Sterilize instruments that penetrate soft tissue or bone. Also sterilize, when possible, all instruments that come in contact with oral mucous membranes, body fluids, or any contaminated secretions of patients. High level of disinfectant must be used if item is heat sensitive or oddly sized.
Run air/water syringe, ultrasonic scaler, and/or handpiece for 30 seconds to flush lines.
Clean suction lines with disinfectant by aspirating an acceptable, non-foaming solution.
Dispose of all disposable items after one use.
Clean and sterilize handpieces if possible but must be sterilized for intraoral use of handpieces; follow manufacturer's directions.
Use caution when handling sharps, especially disposable needles and scalpels. Place them in a puncture-resistant container before disposal.
Decontaminate all environmental surfaces. Use absorbent paper toweling and a detergent type disinfectant to preclean surface and remove debris. Dispose of towels appropriately. Spray area liberally with disinfectant and leave wet for the time indicated by the directions. Dispose of and replace any protective coverings on switches, light handles, x-ray unit head.
Decontaminate all outgoing materials such as impressions, bite registrations, and appliances being sent to a laboratory.
Use only small individual amounts of pumice in a disposable container for each patient, and discard any unused portion.
Appropriately dispose of wastes. Any blood, suctioned fluids, or other liquid waste should be, if your state allows it, poured in a drain connected to a sanitary sewer system. Solid wastes contaminated with blood or saliva, including tissue, extracted teeth, and bloody (dripping) gauze should be sealed in a sturdy impervious bag and disposed of according to local,state, and federal government regulations.
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