Infection Control In DentistryBy Dr. Shahzadi Tayyaba

Hashmi

DNT 356

Infection controlInfection control is a way to minimize the

transmission of microbes in the dental officeThe purpose of infection control in a dental

surgery is to prevent the transmission of disease-producing micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi from one patient to another patient, from dental care provider to patient, and from patient to dental care provider or other dental staff.

OBJECTIVES OF INFECTION CONTROL

reduce

implement

simplify

protect

Universal precautionsDefinition:Universal precautions are control

guidelines designed to protect workers from exposure to diseases spread by blood and other body fluids

Observing universal precautions means you consider all human blood and certain human fluids infectious for all blood borne pathogens

Universal precautionsUniversal precautions include:Detailed medical historyConsider every patient a potentially infected patientHand washing instructions at least 30-40 seconds,

rubbing all surfaces of handPersonal barrier protectiono Gloveso Protective eye wearo Face masks, face shieldso Hair protection ( head cap)o Protective over garment

universal precautions

Infection control measures

Personal protective equipmentDEFINITION:Specialized clothing or equipment worn by

an employee for protection against infectious materials

(OSHA)

Personal protective equipment in a dental office

Types of PPE used in Dental healthcare settings

Gloves (Protect hands)Masks (Protect mouth/nose)Eye wear ( Protect eyes)Face shields : (Protect face, mouth, nose and eyes)Gowns/aprons : (Protect skin and clothing)

PPE for Hepatitis patientsDouble maskDouble glovesEye wear

Needle stick injury Needle stick injury includes injury with needles or other sharp objects( e.g scalpel blade) that may have been in contact with blood or blood stained body fluids

Prevention of needle stick injury

How to deal with needle stick injury at work

1. PERFORMING FIRST AID:• Encourage bleeding at the side of puncture (by running cold

water over the bleeding area for several minutes , potential infectants are expelled from wound area and risk of their entry into bloodstream is minimized

Wash the wound (Gently cleanse the site of the needle stick or sharps entry with plenty of soap. This will help to kill viruses and bacteria, removing sources of infection and reducing the chance of infection.

Do not scrub the wound while you're washing it. This can make the injury worse

• Dry and cover the wound (Use a sterile material to dry the wound and immediately cover the wound with a waterproof plaster or dressing.

• Flush splashes of blood and needle contents on other parts of your body

• If the contents of the needle splashed to nose, mouth, face or other skin areas, wash them well with soap

How to deal with needle stick injury at work

2. Seeking medical attention: Blood tests to determine whether further treatment is

needed or not In the case of known exposure to other pathogens,

immediate treatment will be administered. This could involve antibiotics or a vaccination

The risk for hepatitis transference is much higher than that for HIV (about 30% for Hepatitis B and about 10% for Hepatitis C), so swift action is essential, as well as preventative measures (i.e., being vaccinated against Hepatitis)

3. Follow up

4. Workplace prevention and knowledge

Sterilization and DisinfectionSterilization:Is defined as, “the process by which an

article, surface or medium is freed from all living microorganisms either in the vegetative or in the spore form”

Disinfection:Destruction of most of the pathogens

except the spores and can be accomplished by use of certain chemicals

Disposal of clinical wasteUsed needles, syringes or sharp instruments,

surgical blades, damaged endodontic files should be discarded in the sharp container

Contaminated gloves, masks and other items should be discarded safely

Laboratory aspects Impressions should be :rinsed thoroughly to remove visible blood and

debrisSprayed with disinfectantsSealed in a zip locked bag by sending to

laboratory