COVID-19
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March 05, 2023Our previous blog post discussed the Canadian dental labour shortage and identified some rationales as to why there is a labour shortage in dentistry. In the first post, we identified that Dentistry requires a high level of performance expectations from those working in the industry.
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September 30, 2022Although we need more studies to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and long-term use of teledentistry, the observed strengths, and upcoming opportunities indicate that teledentistry may fill a significant gap in oral health care delivery. But we also need to consider essential aspects of teledentistry when providing this service.
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July 18, 2022
Identifying pathogens to ensure proper elimination has always been part of the infection prevention and control in dentistry. The SARS CoV-2 pandemic has shown how an emerging pathogen can surface and spread globally. Emerging pathogens are defined as a new microorganism or an existing microorganism that is changing patterns. In the hopeful forward movement out of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, the Monkeypox virus has made a come back from the late 1970’s where in the 1980’s it was believed to be irradicated with successful vaccinations 1. Monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, and includes variola virus (smallpox virus), vaccinia virus, cowpox, and other poxviruses 2. The National Library of Medicine states “the last endemic case of smallpox occurred in 1977, total eradication was confirmed in 1980” 3. “Smallpox helped to shape history, and it made history by being the first disease to be controlled by immunization and the first to be era
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May 20, 2022
Knowing more information about choosing the right protective gown hopefully solves any dilemma about selection and usage. The required dental PPE lineup is full and highly influenced by the task. Remember to ‘pick the mask for the task’ and ‘go to town with the right gown!'
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May 05, 2022As oral health professionals, it's our responsibility to keep dental clinical contact surfaces clean and disinfected. At the same time, oral health professionals have a substantial investment in dental office equipment that they don't want to destroy with harsh chemicals. This is why it's important to look for cleaning and disinfecting products that meet or exceed IPAC standards and are also gentle enough to use on equipment. You can definitely have the best of both...
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August 02, 2021
The two most popular alcohols used as disinfectants are ethyl alcohol (or ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol .
While both show potent germicidal activity, they have different applications in dental/medical environments.
Let's review the similarities and differences between them and understand which one is better suited for your dental facility.
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October 19, 2020
Some provinces require an ACH test and some do not.
Some require adherence to a specific fallow time and some do not.
For the geographical areas that must adhere to a fallow time, the sequence of the operatory turnover and where and when the clinical notes are written is causing some confusion and must be addressed.
A common question is when does the fallow time begin?
The fallow time begins when the clinician and client leave the operatory.
It does NOT begin when the last AGP was performed.
Why?
The reasoning is while the client is still in the operatory conversing with no mask there could be a chance for airborne transmission.
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October 14, 2020
Air quality has surfaced as a hot topic in the pandemic control measures for dental offices.
Air quality falls under Additional Precautions in a dental office's IPAC Program.
Pre-pandemic, offices were following Routine Practices covering hand hygiene, sharps safety, risk management, and personal protective equipment.
Additional precautions are just that, an addition to the routine practice.
Additional precautions are required during respiratory viral outbreaks such as SARS-COV-19.
Dental services are now categorized as either aerosol gas producing (AGP) or non-aerosol gas producing (NAGP) with each having its own lineup of PPE.
Aerosols have always been a known subject in dentistry.
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September 18, 2020
Julian Perez, hosts a panel discussion with Registered Dental Hygienists, Michelle Aubé-Simmonds and Theresa Cullen, exploring their experiences returning to work and providing patient care in a post-COVID-19 world.
To watch the full video on YouTube CLICK HERE
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June 30, 2020
A hand hygiene program is embedded within the contents of an office's IPAC Program and is often ill-defined. Dental offices may be performing hand hygiene tasks, have procured the necessary products and posted directions for proper hand hygiene, however, it goes much further than this.
