Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a standard precaution in dental settings?
Which of the following is NOT a standard precaution in dental settings?
What is the primary goal of implementing respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette?
What is the primary goal of implementing respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette?
Which disinfectant level should be used for items that cannot tolerate sterilization?
Which disinfectant level should be used for items that cannot tolerate sterilization?
What should be done with fluid infusion sets and administration sets after usage?
What should be done with fluid infusion sets and administration sets after usage?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should signs be posted to instruct patients with respiratory symptoms about cough etiquette?
Where should signs be posted to instruct patients with respiratory symptoms about cough etiquette?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended method for decontaminating surfaces after a blood spill?
What is the recommended method for decontaminating surfaces after a blood spill?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the correct procedure for dental handpieces that can be removed from the dental unit's air and waterlines?
What is the correct procedure for dental handpieces that can be removed from the dental unit's air and waterlines?
Signup and view all the answers
When using multi-dose vials, what should be used to cleanse the access diaphragm before accessing the vial?
When using multi-dose vials, what should be used to cleanse the access diaphragm before accessing the vial?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these should be provided for patients to follow proper respiratory hygiene?
Which of these should be provided for patients to follow proper respiratory hygiene?
Signup and view all the answers
What should happen when a patient that is coughing enters the dental setting?
What should happen when a patient that is coughing enters the dental setting?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you avoid when accessing a multidose vial?
What should you avoid when accessing a multidose vial?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT recommended for cleaning dental handpieces that are removable from the air and water lines?
Which of the following is NOT recommended for cleaning dental handpieces that are removable from the air and water lines?
Signup and view all the answers
What should dental healthcare providers advise patients regarding the use of saliva ejectors?
What should dental healthcare providers advise patients regarding the use of saliva ejectors?
Signup and view all the answers
Aside from the dentist, who else is an important member for infection control in a dental setting?
Aside from the dentist, who else is an important member for infection control in a dental setting?
Signup and view all the answers
According to guidelines, what should be done with a multi-dose vial if its sterility is compromised?
According to guidelines, what should be done with a multi-dose vial if its sterility is compromised?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these is an example of sharps safety in the dental clinic?
Which of these is an example of sharps safety in the dental clinic?
Signup and view all the answers
In addition to disinfecting the rubber septum of the medication vial, what else is recommended when preparing injections?
In addition to disinfecting the rubber septum of the medication vial, what else is recommended when preparing injections?
Signup and view all the answers
When exposing dental radiographs, what personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to wear?
When exposing dental radiographs, what personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to wear?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommendation for using syringes for multiple patients, even with a needle change?
What is the recommendation for using syringes for multiple patients, even with a needle change?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of intraoral devices should be used whenever possible during dental radiology?
What type of intraoral devices should be used whenever possible during dental radiology?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are aseptic techniques important for parenteral medications?
Why are aseptic techniques important for parenteral medications?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should multidose vials be kept to prevent contamination?
Where should multidose vials be kept to prevent contamination?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you handle exposed dental radiographs to prevent contamination of developing equipment?
How should you handle exposed dental radiographs to prevent contamination of developing equipment?
Signup and view all the answers
How should barrier-protected semicritical digital radiography sensors be processed between patients?
How should barrier-protected semicritical digital radiography sensors be processed between patients?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you prepare cleaning and disinfecting solutions?
How should you prepare cleaning and disinfecting solutions?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do with mops and cloths after use?
What should you do with mops and cloths after use?
Signup and view all the answers
When should you clean walls, blinds, and curtains in patient-care areas?
When should you clean walls, blinds, and curtains in patient-care areas?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of disinfectant is required for clinical contact surfaces after each patient?
What type of disinfectant is required for clinical contact surfaces after each patient?
Signup and view all the answers
When should surface barriers be changed on clinical contact surfaces?
When should surface barriers be changed on clinical contact surfaces?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when handling cleaning and disinfecting products?
What should you do when handling cleaning and disinfecting products?
Signup and view all the answers
For disinfection purposes, what specific products should NOT be used on environmental surfaces?
For disinfection purposes, what specific products should NOT be used on environmental surfaces?
Signup and view all the answers
How should housekeeping surfaces, including floors, walls and sinks, be cleaned?
How should housekeeping surfaces, including floors, walls and sinks, be cleaned?
Signup and view all the answers
For how long can a multidose vial be used after being opened, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise?
For how long can a multidose vial be used after being opened, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommendation regarding single-dose medication vials?
What is the recommendation regarding single-dose medication vials?
Signup and view all the answers
If a multidose vial enters an immediate patient treatment area, what should happen to it?
If a multidose vial enters an immediate patient treatment area, what should happen to it?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be used when performing surgical hand antisepsis?
What should be used when performing surgical hand antisepsis?
Signup and view all the answers
When performing oral surgical procedures, what type of irrigation should be used?
When performing oral surgical procedures, what type of irrigation should be used?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of gloves are required for oral surgical procedures?
What type of gloves are required for oral surgical procedures?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about the use of preprocedural antimicrobial mouth rinses?
Which of the following is true about the use of preprocedural antimicrobial mouth rinses?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true about single-use devices?
Which of the following is true about single-use devices?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommended method for delivering sterile irrigating fluids during dental procedures?
What is the recommended method for delivering sterile irrigating fluids during dental procedures?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the initial step for handling biopsy specimens during transport?
What is the initial step for handling biopsy specimens during transport?
Signup and view all the answers
How should extracted teeth containing amalgam be disposed of?
How should extracted teeth containing amalgam be disposed of?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done with extracted teeth before being used for educational purposes?
What should be done with extracted teeth before being used for educational purposes?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should be taken with potentially contaminated metal impression trays in the dental lab?
What action should be taken with potentially contaminated metal impression trays in the dental lab?
Signup and view all the answers
If manufacturer’s directions for sterilizing dental tools not normally used in the mouth are not available, what should be followed?
If manufacturer’s directions for sterilizing dental tools not normally used in the mouth are not available, what should be followed?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the recommendation regarding protecting dental health care personnel (DHCP) from laser plumes or surgical smoke?
What is the recommendation regarding protecting dental health care personnel (DHCP) from laser plumes or surgical smoke?
Signup and view all the answers
What action should be taken with a biopsy specimen container that is visibly contaminated on the outside?
What action should be taken with a biopsy specimen container that is visibly contaminated on the outside?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Infection Control in Dental Settings
- Guidelines cover infection control practices in dental clinics, dental related areas (radiography, labs), and the role of various dental team members.
- Learning objectives include understanding infection control practices in the dental clinic, the roles of dentists in infection control, infection control measures within dental areas (radiography, labs), and the part played by other dental team members.
Standard Precautions
- Standard Precautions encompass several critical measures:
- Hand hygiene is essential.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and eyewear, must be used.
- Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette involves covering coughs and sneezes, using and disposing of tissues, and performing hand hygiene.
- Sharps safety, including engineering controls and work practice controls, is crucial.
- Safe injection practices, including aseptic techniques for parenteral medications, are mandatory.
- Sterile instruments and devices must be used.
- Environmental surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette
-
Measures to control respiratory secretions are essential, beginning at the point of entry to the facility.
-
Dental healthcare providers (DHCP) receive education on the importance of infection prevention measures, particularly regarding respiratory secretions and the spread of respiratory pathogens.
-
Signs at facility entrances guide patients on proper respiratory hygiene like covering mouths/noses, using and disposing of tissues, and performing hand hygiene.
Environmental Infection Control
- General recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting include following manufacturer's instructions for using FDA-registered hospital disinfecting products.
- Avoid using liquid chemical sterilants for environmental surfaces in clinical settings.
- Appropriate PPE should be worn when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. This includes gloves, protective clothing (e.g., gowns, jackets, laboratory coats), and protective eyewear/face shield.
Clinical Contact Surfaces
- Surface barriers protect clinical contact surfaces, mainly those hard-to-clean areas.
- Clinical contact surfaces, including those that are not barrier-protected, must be cleaned and disinfected using registered hospital disinfectants with specified activity.
- Visibly contaminated surfaces should be disinfected with an intermediate-level disinfectant.
Housekeeping Surfaces
- Housekeeping surfaces should be cleaned on a routine basis, considering the type and degree of contamination.
- Mops and cloths should be cleaned, and single-use disposable options are preferable.
- Fresh cleaning solutions must be prepared daily as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Walls, blinds, and window curtains in patient areas should be cleaned when visibly soiled.
Spills of Blood and Body Substances
- Spilled blood and body substances should be cleaned and disinfected with a low to intermediate-level registered hospital disinfectant.
Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines
-
Handpieces and intraoral instruments must be cleaned and heat-sterilized between patients.
-
Manufacturers' instructions for cleaning, and sterilizing should be strictly followed, including the steps related to lubrication.
-
Intraoral instruments that can be detached should be cleaned/sterilized/sanitized, following the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Patients should not be instructed to close their lips around the tip of a saliva ejector.
-
Do not surface-disinfect handheld instruments – use liquid chemical sterilants or ethylene oxide.
Special Considerations for Dental Radiology
- Wear gloves when handling contaminated film packets.
- Use additional PPE (e.g. eyewear, masks, gowns) if blood or body fluids spatter is likely.
- Heat-tolerant or disposable intraoral devices are preferable.
- Devices must be heat-sterilized or high-level disinfected after each patient.
- Exposures should be handled in a proper aseptic manner to avoid contaminating developing equipment.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain proper cleaning and sterilization of dental radiology devices and sensors, including associated computer hardware.
- Use FDA-cleared barriers to protect digital radiography sensors and, if necessary, clean/heat-sterilize/disinfect barrier-protected semicritical items.
- Disinfect with appropriate method if item cannot tolerate procedures stated.
Aseptic Technique for Parenteral Medications
-
Do not administer medications from one syringe to multiple patients, even if the needle changes.
-
Use single-dose vials when possible.
-
Do not combine leftover contents of single-use vials.
-
Single-use infusion/administration sets (e.g., IV bags, tubing) are required for each patient.
-
Discard these materials immediately.
-
If multidose vials are used, treat appropriately.
-
Maintain multidose vials in a separate location to avoid cross-contamination.
-
Immediately after using, dispose of the multidose vial.
-
Clean multidose vials' access diaphragms before use.
-
Use sterile devices to access vials, avoiding contact with the diaphragm.
-
Sterilize needles and syringes.
-
Do not reuse syringes, even if the needle is changed.
-
Keep multidose vials away from patient treatment areas.
-
Discard multidose vials if their sterility might be compromised. Use aseptic technique to prepare injections in a clean area.
-
Disinfect the vial septum (rubber covering) before piercing with a needle.
-
Only use needles and syringes once, don't reuse – even after changing the needle.
-
Don't re-use single use vials, ampules, or IV bags & bottles.
-
Dispose of after use.
-
Date the opened multidose vials.
-
Discard them within 28 days (or manufacturer's guideline).
Single-Use (Disposable) Devices
- Single-use devices such as disposable devices, are used only once per patient.
Preprocedural Mouth Rinses
- There's no specific recommendation for employing preprocedural antimicrobial rinses (like chlorhexidine) as a preventative measure for clinical infections among dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) or patients.
Oral Surgical Procedures
- Surgical and hand antisepsis with antimicrobial products, such as antimicrobial soap and water or alcohol-based hand scrubs, is mandatory before donning sterile surgeon's gloves during surgical procedures.
- Use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant/irrigator.
Handling of Biopsy Specimens
- Transport biopsy specimens in a sturdy, leakproof container labeled with the biohazard symbol.
- If the container is visibly contaminated, clean/disinfect it before handling or place it in a dedicated, labelled, impervious bag.
Handling of Extracted Teeth
- Dispose of extracted teeth as regulated medical waste unless returned to the patient.
- Do not throw away amalgam teeth with other dental waste.
- Ensure teeth are hydrated & properly contained for transport to educational institutions & labs.
Dental Laboratory
- Heat-sterilize or clean/disinfect heat-tolerant items.
- Follow Manufacturers' instructions to clean/disinfect devices that do not directly contact the patient.
- Clean/disinfect with EPA-registered hospital disinfectant if manufacturer's instructions unknown. Choose the option (heat-tolerance or disinfection) that best meets the item's characteristics. Apply disinfection or sterilization based on contamination level.
Laser/Electrosurgery Plumes/Surgical Smoke
-
There's no current recommendation for practices to reduce DHCP exposure to laser plumes/surgical smoke from dental lasers.
-
However, suggested practices to minimize exposure include employing standard precautions, central room suction units with in-line filters, and dedicated mechanical smoke exhaust systems using high-efficiency filters.
-
The effect of laser exposure on DHCP, such as disease transmission and adverse respiratory effects, remains incompletely understood.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Test your knowledge on infection control practices in dental settings with this quiz. Questions cover standard precautions, respiratory hygiene, and proper cleaning procedures to ensure patient safety. Perfect for dental professionals and students alike.
