title: Environmental barriers in dental office infection control.
abstract: The emphasis of this article is to explain the utility of incorporating disposable, single-use environmental-surface infection control barriers into dental office infection control programs. Use of barriers in dental operatories and x-ray rooms can increase infection control effectiveness, reduce operatory turn-around time between patients, and actually reduce office time and expenses associated with infection control. This article is not intended to be a cookbook on how to do it, but rather a guide to the understanding of why dentists should consider using disposable barriers in place of chemical disinfectants wherever possible. Understanding the barrier concept will enable readers to problem-solve their own facility's needs and to select appropriate materials on their own.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Whitacre
mesh_terms: D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003770:Dental Offices; D004203:Disinfection / Q000191:economics; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011482:Protective Devices