Infection control in the dental office.
The risk of infectious disease transmission is an inherent part of dental practice. Fortunately, such risks can be greatly reduced through modern infection control practices. Such practices include the use of various measures, including administrative, engineering, and work practice controls. Such measures should be codified in an office infection control plan, which should form the basis for the daily infection control activities of the staff. This article discusses some of the measures that should be taken to safeguard the health of dental healthcare workers and patients.
Thomas
Mark V
MV
Division of Periodontology, University of Kentucky, College of Dentistry, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0297, USA. mvthom0@uky.edu
Jarboe
Glena
G
Frazer
Robert Q
RQ
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003770:Dental Offices; D003797:Dental Staff / Q000193:education; D004203:Disinfection; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D019552:Infection Control, Dental / Q000379:methods; D037141:Mandatory Programs; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011482:Protective Devices; D011996:Records; D017751:Safety Management; D013242:Sterilization; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States; D016635:Universal Precautions / Q000379:methods