Infection Control For The Dental Assistant

This podcast discusses infection control for dental assistants, including how diseases can be spread in a dental office and methods of protection. Diseases such as Tuberculosis, Herpes Simplex, Hepatitis B and C, and AIDS can be spread in a dental office. The podcast covers the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is designed to protect dental professionals from infectious materials. It also covers the proper order for donning PPE: eyewear, face mask, and gloves. Different types of gloves are discussed, as well as protective garments like disposable and reusable gowns. Face masks should have 95% bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), and protective eyewear is also essential. The podcast also explores personal hygiene principles that help to decrease the possibility of cross-contamination, as well as proper hand-washing procedures using germicidal soaps. The correct hand-washing procedure is explained step by step. Listeners will also learn about infection control guidelines, including sterilizing equipment, using barriers, and utilizing disposables. The podcast will discuss various types of barriers and the appropriate disposal of biohazardous waste and nonregulated waste. The podcast will also cover sterilization methods and the importance of packaging and labeling instruments for sterilization. The podcast will explore monitoring sterilization methods. Finally, the podcast will cover OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, including the need for an Exposure Control Plan, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, and housekeeping management. It will also address the importance of decontamination, the management of regulated waste, sharps, and sharps injury logs. The podcast will also cover the Hepatitis B vaccine, post-exposure evaluation, medical record keeping, and training records.