Page 120 - policy and procedure infection control

Policies and Procedures on Infection Control

6.5 Dental Practice

6.5.1. Introduction
In the Dental Clinic, standard infection control precautions are taken. These precautions are
procedure-specific and not patient-specific. This means that the same set of precautions are
taken for each type of procedure irrespective of whether the patient is known to be infected with
a blood-borne virus. (Refer to standard precaution section).

6.5.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Gloves
• Clean examination gloves must be worn when examining or performing any non
surgical dental procedures
• Examination gloves (preferably double layer) may also be worn when performing
extraction of teeth.
• Sterile gloves (preferably double layer) must be worn when performing surgical
procedures
• Heavy-duty (utility) gloves must be worn when cleaning contaminated instruments
and when cleaning clinical contact surfaces must be puncture and chemical
resistant - preferably nitrile.
• Heavy-duty gloves can be reused but must be considered contaminated and
handled appropriately until properly disinfected.(refer to CSSD chapter).Gloves
must be discarded if their barrier properties become compromised.
2. Masks, Protective Eyewear, Face Shields and Protective Clothing
• When performing procedures that are likely to generate debris, sprays and
splashes both the operator and the assistant must use;
o surgical masks which cover both the mouth and nose
o appropriate protective eyewear (goggles or face shields)
o protective gowns which are fluid resistant (preferably disposable)
• Single and 2-ply masks should no longer be used.
• Protective eyewear or face shields must be cleaned with soap and water and
disinfected with an appropriate disinfectant after use on each patient

6.5.3 Patient Protection
1. Only sterile instruments must be used on patients during oral procedures
2. All clinical contact surfaces must be disinfected appropriately before the patient sits
on the dental chair
3. All patients must wear clean bibs (ideally disposable) when undergoing non surgical
procedures.

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