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Standard and transmission-based precautions: an update for dentistry
1U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, United States Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service, Great Lakes, IL 60088, USA. jennifer.harte@us.af.mil
Summary
Dental professionals must update infection control programs with Standard Precautions, including safe injection practices and respiratory hygiene. Awareness of Transmission-Based Precautions is crucial for managing diverse patient infections in dental settings.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Public Health
- Dental Healthcare
Background:
- Standard Precautions form the bedrock of infection control, applicable to all patient encounters.
- These universal precautions are essential regardless of a patient's infection status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review Standard Precautions, including recent updates from the CDC.
- To emphasize the importance of Transmission-Based Precautions in dental healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Review of Standard Precautions, safe injection practices, and respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette.
- Analysis of Airborne, Droplet, and Contact Precautions for dental outpatient settings.
Main Results:
- Standard Precautions are the primary tier of infection control.
- Transmission-Based Precautions are necessary for specific diseases when Standard Precautions are insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Dental health care personnel (DHCP) must integrate safe injection practices and respiratory hygiene into routine care.
- DHCP need to be vigilant about additional precautions due to emerging pathogens and ambulatory care trends.
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Step 2:
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Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
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Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
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