Essay On Infection Control

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Cindy Amador Research Paper DA 50, Mon./Wed. 9:30 4/21/14 Infection Control in the Dental Office Infection control, a term that describes procedures taken to reduce the spread of infection. The dental office is a place where many people are treated including patients with infectious disease such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and many other highly contagious diseases. It is imperative that in any dental office setting the prevention of the spreading microorganisms from patient to patient, patient to staff, or staff to patient is done in high precaution. Infection control has two main objectives; to protect the patients from harmful pathogens as well as dental team members. Infections can cause or add pain, deteriorate a persons health, and in worst cases even result in death. In order to understand the infection control in a dental facility, you must understand the standard precautions required by organizations that regulate or recommend infection control, the kinds of preventive measures taken, as well as when these measures should be taken. All practicing dentists, dental associates, and laboratories follow standard precautions and recommendations specified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The standard precautions, previously known as the universal standard precautions, focus on the perception that all blood and bodily fluids, regardless if they contain blood, such as saliva, may be contaminated and should be considered infectious. (Bebermeyer). The infection control methods that are practiced in dental offices were established by the CDC in 2003 with Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings (Kohn). These guidelines include the use of protective barriers, personal protective w... ... middle of paper ... ...s and hoses, control buttons, switches, hand pieces, and X-ray units (Collins). After every patient’s visit, the operatory is to be sterilized and disinfected. All areas that were that were not covered with a barrier, or if the barrier was compromised, must be wiped down with surface disinfectants similarly used in hospitals. OSHA requires disinfectants to be potent enough to fight against HIV and HBV infections (Collins). If there is any blood present on a surface, tuberculocidal type disinfectant should be utilized. Infection control in dentistry crucial for the well being of employees as well as the patients. Many precautions must be taken to avoid serious illness or injuries.There are many steps and guidelines to follow in infection prevention but as employees in the dental office we must take the time to ensure no harm is done to the clients or ourselves.

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