Infection control

From an infectious disease point of view, dentistry has never been safer than it is today for both patients and the dental team. This state of affairs has resulted from the establishment and practice of strict infection control in the office using the concept of universal precautions. Infection control consists of a series of procedures directed at reducing the number of microbes shared among people. An approach to the management of infection control involves identification of an office safety coordinator and total involvement of everyone in the office. The procedures of infection control can be grouped into six major areas. 1. Handwashing and gloving provides protection to both patients and the dental team. 2. Protection against aerosols and spatter involves the use of a preprocedure mouthrinse, HVE, rubber dam, saliva ejection, mask, protective eyewear, and protective clothing. 3. Instrument processing provides instruments that are safe for patient use. 4. Surface asepsis eliminates the involvement of environmental surfaces in the spread of disease agents. 5. Management of sharps and other regulated waste reduces the chances for sharps injuries and contact with potentially infectious material. 6. Aseptic techniques include aseptic retrieval of supplies, reducing contamination from dental unit water, aseptic radiographic procedures, proper use of disposables, and preventing contamination of the dental laboratory.