Heather Lawson-Myers - TOOTH TALK INFECTION CONTROL is the process of protecting patients, as well as dentists and their staff, against the spread of germs in the office.
Dentists often come in contact with saliva and blood particles, all of which can spread from instruments and equipment which they use.
Prior to a patient being treated in the dental office significant preparation is made. All instruments used in the mouth are sterilised either by heat and pressure, a dry heat oven or chemicals.
All surfaces are disinfected and in some offices barrier protection is also used such as disposable plastic wrap. The disposable wrap may be seen covering dental chair handles, dental light handles and X-ray units. The floors are usually a hard surface so that they can be easily disinfected.
Instrument sterilisation takes place throughout the day. Each patient is examined and treated with freshly-sterilised instruments. Instruments which cannot be sterilised are disposable.
Instruments that are sterilised are washed with a cleaning solution, rinsed and then placed in a sterilisation unit - an autoclave (steam under pressure), a dry heat oven or inserted in chemicals.
Dentists and dental assistants wear disposable gloves that are changed between each patient. Once used, the gloves are thrown away. Hand washing by dental personnel is routine and precise hands are washed before and after gloves are worn, in between each patient and whenever necessary. Latex gloves are generally used so if you have an allergy to latex the dentist must be told. The dentist and staff also wear protective eye wear and clothing, masks and sometimes headgear.
These infection control measures are required in all dental offices today. These measures help to fight the spread of diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis and herpes viruses. Dental providers ensure that every patient can have confidence that whether you are the first or 15th patient for the day you are being treated in a sterile environment.
Dr. Heather-Dawn Lawson Myers, President, Jamaica Dental Association (2003/4).
