Infection prevention has always been a priority in our dental health care settings. In light of recent events, we have gone to great lengths to review and update our infection prevention guidelines to ensure the safe care of our patients.
Our policies and procedures will be tailored to our dental setting based on the services we provide as well as the patients we provide services to. We have reviewed and updated our OSHA bloodborne pathogens standards to address patient safety. The necessary equipment and supplies (e.g.,
Hand-hygiene products, safer devices to reduce percutaneous injuries, and personal protective equipment) are available and evaluated to ensure proper use, handling, sterilization, and disinfection of patient-care Items and devices during visits. We follow EPA recommendations for monitoring water quality provided by the manufacturer of our unit or waterline treatment product, and we use sterile water as a coolant/irrigant when performing surgical procedures. We will reassess on a regular basis or according to state or federal requirements.
Sharps Safety and Injection Safety Practices have been reviewed to prevent percutaneous injuries and prevent transmission of infectious diseases between one patient and another, or between a patient and our dental health professionals during preparation and administration of parenteral (e.g., intravenous or intramuscular injection) medications.
Sterilization and Disinfection of Patient Care Devices
We take care to clean and reprocess (disinfect or sterilize) reusable dental equipment appropriately before use on another patient according to manufacturer instructions.
Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections among patients and our dental health professionals. We have implemented education and training programs to thoroughly address indications and techniques for hand hygiene practices before performing routine and oral surgical procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We have ensured that we maintain appropriate wearable equipment that is designed to protect our patients and dental health professionals from exposure to or contact with infectious agents and have educated them on the proper use of all equipment for adherence to standard precautions. This equipment includes gloves, face masks, protective eyewear, face shields, and protective clothing (e.g., reusable or disposable gowns, jackets, laboratory coats).
