Chapter 3: Infection Control

Outline

Disease Transmission and Occupational Exposure

Infection Control Agencies and RegulationsInfection Control TechniquesWaste ManagementInfection Control and the Dental Patient

Disease Transmission

Methods of disease transmission Infectious disease is a disease that is

contagious or can be spread from one person to another in some way.

Pathogens, which are organisms that cause diseases, require a means of entering the body to infect an individual and are transferred from one host (person) to another.

Cross-contamination

Patient to dental staffDental staff to patientPatient to patientDental staff to family and community

Biohazardous Waste

Occupational Exposure

Occupational exposure refers to any reasonably anticipated skin, eye, or mucous membrane contact with blood or infectious materials that may result from the performance of duties.

OSHA Occupation Exposure Categories

Infection Control Agencies and Regulations

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

guidelines for infection control in dental healthcare settings—2003

Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)

Implementing office policies and maintaining

records

OSHA Rules

Infection Control Techniques

Standard precautions Safety measures in the dental officeImmunization Hepatitis vaccinePersonal protective equipment Face masks and eyewear Medical gloves UniformsHand washing

Personal Protective Equipment

Hand Washing

Waste Management

Classification of waste Biohazardous waste Regulated waste

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Biohazard Symbol

Infection Control and the Dental Patient

Infection control measures for the patient

Education responsibility to the patient

Review Questions

1. What are some cross-contamination ways that could develop between patient and dental staff?

2. What are standard precautions?3. What are the three personal protective

equipment used?4. What is the most important procedure in

minimizing the spread of infectious disease and Why?

5. Name some biohazardous waste products in the dental office.