Infection Control Measures in a Dental Surgery Setting - Thesis Example

Infection Control Measures in a Dental Surgery Setting Document Number ML2010_134 Publication Date 12 April 2010 Intranet Location Hospital-Dentistry Author Department Dentist Department Contact (Details) Summary Dentists are exposured to numerous type of infections. Thus, it is paramount to ensure measures are in place to minimize and reduces threats and risks associated to dental professions. Endorsed by All sectors Audiences Date Created March 2010 Review Date March 2013 Previous References No. ML2007_123 Maximization on prevention strategies in laboratories and procedures facilities (Document Number: - 003264253) Related Policy/s Key Words Dentists, prevention, antiseptics, protocols Status Active Title: Infection Control Measures in a Dental Surgery Setting 1.0 Scope of Practice Controlling and prevention of infectious diseases and management of employee safety and health concerns associated to the control of infection in dental settings. 2.0 Expected Outcome Increase awareness of prevention through educating and training Reduces chances of infections Appropriate utilization of technological equipments and tools 3.0 Definitions 3.1 Antiseptic This germicide is used on living tissue or skin to either destroy or inhibit microorganisms. 3.2 Bioburden or (microbial load, bioload) Organic material or microbiological load that is found on the object or surface before sterilization or decontamination. 3.3 Decontamination Use of chemical or physical means to inactivate, remove, or destroy pathogens on an object or surface so that they are unable to transmit infectious components or particles and thus the object is rendered safe for use, handling or disposal. 3.4 Disinfectant This is a chemical agent that is used on inanimate objects so as to destroy or kill most pathogenic particles or microorganisms. 3.5 Dental treatment water This is nonsterile water that is used during the dental treatment that includes irrigation of nonsurgical operative sites and also used to cool ultrasonic instruments and high speed rotary. 3.6 Disinfection This is destruction of microorganisms or pathogens by chemical or physical means. Disinfection is a weaker method used to destroy pathogens since I cannot destroy most of microbial forms. 3.7 Droplets These small moisture particles result when a person sneezes or coughs. These particles may contain infectious microorganisms and usually affects people close to the source of the droplets. 3.8 Hand hygiene This is a general term that is used to antiseptic hand rub, antiseptic hand wash, surgical hand antisepsis and other numerous means of hand washing. 3.9 Implantable device These devices are placed naturally or surgically formed cavity of human body and it is usually aimed to stay there for more than thirty days. 3.10 Sterile This is an object, surface or item free from any living microorganisms. 3.11 Washer disinfector This is an automatic device that is used thermally to clean and disinfect6s instruments through the use of high temperature cycle rather than the common use of a chemical bath. 4.0 Policy 4.1 Employee Heath Elements Employee are supposed to understand the principles of infection control Introduce and institute preventive measures to ensure safety and health of employees and patients are championed Pinpoint and explore on work related infection risks, and hence prevention strategies and mechanics can be identified. Ensure that appropriate measures are in place such as medical follow up and exposure management control. Different departments and professionals are supposed to coordinate in a health care setting to ensure the services provided are effective and efficient. Programs should be established for provision of on-site health service programs and referral arrangements should be suctioned by a qualified profession 4.2 Training and education Employees should understand the rationale and comply with an exposure control plan and infection control program. Formulation and implementation of procedures, policies and guidelines that ensures for efficiency, consistency and coordination of activities Training and education should be based on the requirements of the assigned duties. Personnel should be trained and educated on work restrictions for infection and exposure, infection control policies and prevention strategies, and management of work related injuries and illness. 4.3 Immunization Programs All personnel should be immunized against possible infectious organisms or infection. Thus, immunization will ensure that potential transmission of infectious organisms is restricted. Immunization policy should be formulated and implemented to ensure all the personnel are safe and healthy. This could ensure vaccine preventable diseases such as measles; influenza, varicella, and hepatitis B are taken care. 4.4 Post-exposure management and exposure prevention It is a common strategy that is used to take care occupationally acquired infections, and this can be achieved through avoiding exposure to OPIM and blood through strategies such as immunization. Numerous approaches may be used to achieve this goal, which may include combination of work practices, standardized precautions, engineering and administrative controls. Policies that are implemented should be consistent with state, federal and local requirements based on exposure reporting, and post-exposure management. Employees who have direct exposure to infected persons, and thus the baseline tuberculin skin test at the personnel is being employed. This test provides a base in which previous positive TST results can be understood. 4.5 Work Related Illness, Medical Conditions, and Work Restrictions It is paramount to ensure all personnel monitor their personal health status Those employees who have chronic or acute medical conditions should inform and talk with their personal physicians regarding susceptibility to opportunistic infections, and to determine whether they can safely perform their duties. Exclusion policies should be in place to determine the period of infectivity and mode of transmission of the disease. Moreover, the employees should be given opportunity to express their views without jeopardizing job status, benefits and wages. Employees are encouraged to use latex gloves to prevent bloodborne pathogens, and the employees should report in advance whether they have allergic or irritation contact dermatitis when they are utilize glove, exposure to chemicals, and other hand hygiene products. Physicians are supposed to be familiar with latex sign, and any diagnosis should be made based on physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. In addition, measures should be instituted to reduce latex related complications, and this can be achieved through minimizing exposure to latex, monitor symptoms and educate and training the professionals. 4.6 Confidentiality, Data Management, and Maintenance of Records Records of personnel should be monitored and updated through maintaining screening tests, exposures, work related medical evaluations, post-exposure management, and immunizations. Storage of records should be based on laws and regulations of the states, federal and government to prevent conflicts. These records should not be disclosed, should be kept confidential, and should be maintained for a period suitable for effective operation of health care facilities. 4.7 Prevention of Transmission of Blood borne Pathogens It is well known that blood borne pathogens in dental settings are usually has serious consequences. Such exposures may result in transmission between and from patients and physicians. Dentists and their supporting physicians are at the greatest risk because they encounter blood contaminated saliva and patient blood during dental procedures. Physicians or dentists who are viremic, infectious body fluid, or be injured are at a greater risk of blood borne pathogenic transmission. 4.8 Exposure Prevention Methods The major strategy to prevent transmission of HIV, HCV, HBV, to dentists in medical settings is through avoiding occupational exposures. Exposures may result through tissues, blood and fluids and may be devastative to the physicians. Decline in injuries to physicians may only be attributed to safer design and instrumentation, safer work practices, and education. Thus, it is appropriate to ensure physicians and dentists understand means in fulfilling tasks effectively and efficiently. Injuries in dentistry are mostly preventable this is because risk of blood contacts are reduce, presence of standardized precautions, and safety features that prevents sharp injuries. However, it is paramount to ensure that percutaneous injuries are prevented to ensure safety and health of physicians/dentists is maintained. 4.9 Prophylaxis and Post-exposure Management It is important to manage saliva and blood since they may be contaminated. Even small quantities of contamination may be reported, and should be taken care of effectively since it may be potentially infectious. Laboratories and dental practices should place into consideration measures that include hepatitis B vaccination and other protocols that are associated with post-exposure management. These practices include procedures for reporting and evaluation, types of blood contact, and look for suitable counseling doctor in cases accidents occurs. Measures should be in place to take care of injuries and other shortcomings reported in the laboratories or other dental settings. Occupational blood exposure should be taken care off, while puncture wounds should be sterilized with the help of antiseptics. 4.10 Hand hygiene Hand hygiene such as using antiseptics reduces threats associated to pathogens, and reduces the chances of transmission of organisms to patients. Thus, it is a requirement that dentists should frequently and thoroughly wash their hands. The most appropriate antiseptic should be utilized that are based on protocols that are in place. Moreover, the antiseptic should maintain skin integrity, does not have chemical allergies, offensive agent ingredients or any other specifications that may affect efficiency of the physician. 4.11 Face Shields, Protective Eyewear, Masks Surgical masks should be worn to cover both the mouth and nose while eyewear should be worn throughout patient care activities and procedures since it may generate spray or splashes of body fluids or blood. 5.0 References Al-Dwairi, Z. (2007). Infection control procedures in commercial dental laboratories in Jordan. Journal of Dental Education, 71(9), 1223-1227. Al-Omari, M. & Al-Dwairi, Z. (2005). Compliance with infection control programs in private dental clinics in Jordan. Journal of Dental Education, 69(6), 693-698. Beltrami, E., Williams, I., Shapiro, C. & Chamberland, M. (2000). Risk and management of bloodborne infections in health care workers. Clinical Microbiology Review, 13(3), 385-407. Cleveland, J., Robison, V. & Panlilio, A. (2009). Tuberculosis epidemiology, diagnosis and infection control recommendations for dental settings: An update on the centers for disease control and prevention guidelines. Journal of American Dental Association, 140(9), 1092-1099. Cleveland, J., Barker, L., Cuny, E. & Panlilio, A. (2007). Preventing percutaneous injuries among dental health care personnel. Journal of American Dental Association, 138(2), 169-178. Cleveland, J., Barker, L., Gooch, B., Beltrami, E. & Cardo, D. (2002). Use of HIV postexposure prophylaxis by dental health care personnel: An overview and update recommendations. Journal of American Dental Association, 133, 1619-1626. Kohn, W., Harte, J. Malvitz, D., Collins, A., Cleveland, J. & Eklund, K. (2004). Guidelnes for infection in dental health care settings – 2003. Journal of American Dental Association, 135(1), 33-47. Kanjirath, P., Coplen, A., Chapman, J., Peters, M., Inglehart, M. (2009). Effectiveness of gloves and infection control in dentistry: Student and provider perspectives. Journal of Dental Education, 73(5), 571-580. Moloughney, B. (2001). Transmission and postexposure management of bloodborne virus infections in health care setting: Where are we now? Canadian Medical Association Journal, 165(4), 445-451. Scully, C. & Greenspan, J. (2006). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in dentistry. Journal of Dental Research, 85(9), 794-800. Read More