Infection Control

The threat of infectious disease through occupational exposure remains a primary concern for everyone in the dental industry, together with those in dentistry. Health care personnel are increasingly more aware than ever of the danger of transmission of such infections agents as human immunodeficiency disorder virus (HIV), hepatitis b virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes simplex virus, cytomegalorivus (CMV), influenza, the common cold, and different viruses and bacteria that colonize or infect the higher respiratory tract.

Protecting the patient’s health as well as their own, is a of utmost importance for all dental health care personnel. Though dental health care personnel have made signficant strides in adjusting to the desired changes in infection management practices, some still have considerations concerning the mixing of recent infection management procedures into their daily routines. Current knowledge base indicates that, if dental personnel diligently follow applicable infection management procedures, the already low risk of bloodborne illness transmission may be reduced even more.

Infection Control instruction will cover:

• Fundamentals of preventing the transfer of infection
• Disinfection and sterilization
• Safety during clinical procedures