Untitled

Introduction to Microbial Hazards

• Dental laboratories are prone to microbial contamination because of exposure to patient materials, making them high-risk.
• Common routes of infection involve direct contact, indirect transmission, airborne droplets, and workstation cross-contamination.

Common Microorganisms: Bacteria

• Streptococcus mutans causes dental caries and is found in saliva and dental impressions.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis and spreads through aerosols and contaminated instruments.
• Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes skin infections and pneumonia, found on contaminated hands and surfaces.

Common Microorganisms: Viruses

• Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) cause liver infection and are highly transmissible via blood, saliva, and dental tools.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) weakens the immune system and is transmitted.

Common Microorganisms: Fungi and Prions

• Candida albicans is a fungus causing oral and systemic infections, often found on dentures in damp conditions.
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by prions transmitted by contaminated instruments.

Risk Factors for Infection in Dental Labs

• Handling patient materials can cause infection via direct contact with contaminated materials.
• Failure to properly disinfect instruments and work surfaces.
• Lack of PPE increases exposure risk.
• Poor hand hygiene contributes to microbial spread.
• Improper disposal of biohazardous materials poses risks.

Hand Hygiene Protocol

• Thoroughly wash hands before touching any patient-related items.
• Immediately wash after contact after handling potentially contaminated items.
• Use alcohol-based hand rubs between tasks if hands are not visibly soiled.

Importance of Hand Hygiene

• Prevent infections by reducing the spread of pathogens.
• Ensure the safety of dental work to protect patients.
• Reduce occupational health risks to protect dental staff.
• Comply with regulatory requirements.

Types of Hand Hygiene

• Routine handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds, covering all surfaces.
• Use antiseptic hand rub (alcohol-based) when hands are not visibly soiled.
• Surgical hand antisepsis by scrubbing for 2–3 minutes for high-risk procedures.

Proper Handwashing Technique

• Use clean, running water to wet hands.
• Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
• Lather and scrub hands together for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse thoroughly under running water.
• Dry hands with a clean, disposable towel.

Common Handwashing Mistakes

• Washing for less than 20 seconds is ineffective.
• Forgetting to cleaning between fingers and under nails is a common mistake.
• The use of shared towels instead of disposable ones is a common mistake.
• Recontaminating hands by touching the faucet directly after washing is a common mistake.

Role of Hand Hygiene in Infection Control

• Reduces cross-contamination between staff and patients
• Reduces healthcare-associated infections.
• Reduces occupational infections
• Ensures standards as outlined by CDC, WHO, and OSHA

When to Perform Hand Hygiene

• Before handling any patient materials.
• After working with patient items.
• Before clean/aseptic procedures.
• After potential contamination from body fluids.
• After touching surfaces in the work area.

Choosing the Right Hand Hygiene Products

• Soap and water is best for visible soil, organic material, or certain pathogens like C. difficile.
• Alcohol-based hand rub is the quickest, most effective method when hands are not visibly soiled.
• Antimicrobial soap is intended for surgical hand antisepsis or in high-risk situations.

Proper Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

• Apply 3-5 ml of alcohol-based rub.
• Rub palms together to spread product.
• Cover all surfaces
• Rub until hands are dry in about 20 seconds.

Hand Care for Dental Laboratory Workers

• Moisturize using hand lotions to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Keep nails short and avoid artificial nails.
• Change gloves frequently and use appropriate sizes.
• Report any skin problems

Creating a Culture of Hand Hygiene

• Demonstrate proper practices through leading by example.
• Educate staff and others through regular training on importance and techniques.
• Use posters and signs in key areas for visual reminders.
• Conduct regular audits and constructive feedback.
• Ensure easy access to hygiene products.

Monitoring Hand Hygiene Compliance

• Direct observation by Trained observers watching practices.
• Measure product usage by tracking use of soap and sanitizer.
• Conduct electronic monitoring through automated systems.
• Utilize staff surveys and feedback for self-reporting.
• Quality improvement on data.

Overcoming Barriers to Hand Hygiene

• Streamline workflows to allow time for proper hand hygiene to counter Time Constraints.
• Provide gentle products and educate on skin care to avoid Skin Irritation.
• Offer regular training and best practices.
• Use reminders and create habits against Forgetfulness.

Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Perform hand hygiene before putting on gloves and other PPE.
• Change gloves and perform hand hygiene between tasks.
• Always clean hands after removing PPE.
• Perform full hand hygiene protocol when changing patients.

Hand Hygiene in Different Laboratory Areas

• Provide sanitizer for staff and visitors in reception areas.
• Wash Hands before and after handling impressions.
• Clean hands before and after working with dental casts.
• Sanitize hands before handling prosthetics.

Hand Hygiene and Environmental Cleaning

• Clean hands first, then disinfect work surfaces.
• Handle materials with clean hands.
• Clean hands again.

Technology in Hand Hygiene Compliance

• Wearable reminders show prompt for hygiene at intervals.
• Automated monitoring tracks hygiene events.
• Mobile apps supply more hygiene education.
• Data analytics on the compliance.

Hand Hygiene in Infection Outbreaks

• Increase frequency and awareness.
• Introduce specific antiseptics.
• Enhance monitoring and feedback.
• Communication should happen by regularly updating staff.

Hand Hygiene in Quality Assurance

• Set the protocols clearly.
• Train everyone with a staff education on better techniques.
• Assess all with compliance measures.
• Analyze and then get the review data.
• Implement improvements.

Integrating Hand Hygiene into Workflow

• Hygiene points should be identified critically.
• Stations should accommodate placement.
• Integrate within routines with streamlined steps.
• Conduct workflow studies that should show compliance.

Conclusion: The Power of Clean Hands

• Hand hygiene is key for infection.
• Continual practices should incorporate the newest research developments.
• Team effort with constant environments is crucial.
• Practices can benefits extended to others beyond the public.