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Infection and exposure control in North American dental schools
1Division of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. elise.sampson@marquette.edu
Journal of Dental Education
|March 22, 2001
Summary
Dental schools have updated infection control practices over the last 20 years. Key changes include staff handling sterilization, universal precautions for all patients, and updated health screenings, with most U.S. schools now complying with OSHA standards.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Infection Control
- Public Health
Background:
- Infection control and exposure prevention are critical in dental education.
- Significant advancements in infection control protocols have emerged over the past two decades.
- Compliance with regulatory standards is essential for maintaining educational and clinical integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess substantial changes in infection control and exposure control practices in U.S. and Canadian dental schools over the past 15-20 years.
- To identify key shifts in operational responsibilities and patient management protocols.
- To evaluate the extent of compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to all U.S. and Canadian dental schools.
- Data collected focused on changes in instrument preparation, sterilization responsibilities, patient segregation, and health screening requirements.
- Responses were analyzed to identify trends and compliance levels with standards like the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Main Results:
- Responsibility for instrument preparation and sterilization has largely shifted from students to trained staff.
- The implementation of universal precautions has rendered specialized treatment areas for patients with bloodborne diseases unnecessary.
- Pre-admission vaccination and health screening requirements have undergone significant modifications.
- A majority of responding U.S. dental schools are largely compliant with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
Conclusions:
- Dental schools have substantially modernized their infection control and exposure control measures.
- These changes reflect an adaptation to evolving public health guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- The findings underscore a commitment to enhanced safety standards in dental education and practice.