Personal Protection and Safety
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July 26, 2024
In the dental industry, Manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (MIFU) are a critical component of ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. In Canada, Health Canada requires medical device manufacturers to provide clear and concise instructions for use to ensure that healthcare professionals (HCP), including dentists, can use their products safely and effectively.
Let us explore the significance of a proper MIFU in dental offices, its relevance to regulatory compliance, and the possible consequences of non-compliance.
What is a MIFU?
A MIFU is a document prepared by the manufacturer that provides detailed information on the safe and effective use of their products. It includes information such as:
Product d
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July 12, 2024
Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is a fundamental aspect of dental practice, ensuring the safety of both clients and dental professionals. A critical component of these standards is the Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA), which helps dental professionals determine the appropriate PPE for various procedures and client interactions.
A PCRA is conducted before any client interaction or procedure. It involves evaluating the potential risks of exposure to infectious pathogens and determining the necessary measures to mitigate these risks. This assessment considers the client’s health status, the type of dental procedure, and the likelihood of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials. The following are elements to consider during a PCRA:
Client Health Status: Assessing the client’s med
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June 07, 2024
Imagine performing a delicate oral surgery or administering life-saving medication with a glove that’s as uncomfortable as a pair of shoes that’s two sizes too small. It’s not just a minor annoyance – it’s a matter of patient safety and healthcare professionals (HCPs) well-being.
But what exactly is the impact of poor glove fit on healthcare professionals? Instead, let’s focus on the positive effects of a proper glove fit. A comfortable and secure fit can improve our dexterity, reduce strain, and enhance our ability to provide high-quality patient care.
Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
A properly fit glove can prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions or sensitivities in several ways:
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May 24, 2024
Infection control is a critical component of healthcare, yet it's often overlooked or taken for granted. In reality, the improper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of proper hand hygiene protocols can all contribute to the spread of infections. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. As healthcare professionals, it's essential that we prioritize infection control and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infections in our patients and colleagues.
- Not properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Many healthcare professionals may not follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which can lead to the spread of
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May 03, 2024
In today's fast-paced world, where diseases and infections spread alarmingly fast, proper hand hygiene is more crucial than ever. Failure to maintain proper hand hygiene can have serious consequences, leading to the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, norovirus, and influenza. One organization in healthcare stands out as a global leader in disease prevention and health promotion: the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO stands by a mission to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people. The WHO tirelessly works towards ensuring that healthcare standards are upheld worldwide. They provide resources, guidelines, and training programs to healthcare professionals and the general public to ensure proper hand hygiene practices. They collaborate with governments, international partners, and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness and promote the importance of hand hygiene. The World Health Organization
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April 05, 2024
Spaulding’s classifications are a system used to categorize medical devices and equipment based on the risk of infection associated with their use. This system was created by Dr. Earle H. Spaulding in the mid-20th century and has since become a standard in healthcare settings, including dental offices. There are three main classifications in the Spaulding system: critical, semi-critical, and non-critical.
Critical items are those that come into contact with sterile tissue or the vascular system, posing the highest risk of infection if contaminated. In a dental office, critical items may include surgical instruments like scalpels and forceps. These items must be sterilized after each use to eliminate any potential pathogens.
Semi-critical items are those that come into contact with mucous membranes or non-intact skin but d
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March 15, 2024
Face masks have become a common sight for the human population, especially since the Covid-19 global pandemic hit in 2020. At the beginning of the pandemic, public health agencies were hesitant to recommend the consistent use of face masks. The general public was also uncertain of what to believe. To mask or not to mask, this was the question. However, after the World Health Organization acknowledged that the virus could be airborne and linger in the air for hours, masking as a weapon against the coronavirus became a preventive measure to keep virus transmission in check. It was not unusual to see face masks hanging from every car rearview mirror, offered at the entrance to every business, or mandated at every work environment. Face coverings became a fashion statement when people made cloth face coverings in many styles and fabrics. This cloth covering was acceptable for the general public and is considered a form of universal source control.
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January 19, 2024
The New 2023 Standards from the Canadian Standards Association.
The second edition of CAN/CSA-Z314, Canadian Medical Device Reprocessing in All Healthcare Settings was updated over a course of several years and released in 2023. It supersedes the previous edition (CAN/CSA-Z314:18) published in 2018 under the title Canadian medical device reprocessing. All editions of the standard address the safe and effective reprocessing of medical devices and supplies in healthcare facilities.
The editing of the title itself is part of the task of
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December 01, 2023
Unraveling the Protective Layers for First Responders
In the unyielding battle against the fentanyl epidemic, the protection of our first responders hinges on the reliability of their gear. Within this arsenal, chemotherapy tested nitrile gloves have emerged as a formidable defense against fentanyl exposure. This article dives into the intricate processes and standards that define the fentanyl protection capabilities of these gloves.
Understanding the Fentanyl Challenge
Fentanyl, notorious for its potency, being 50-100 times more potent than morphine, and 30-50 times more potent than heroin, demands specialized protective measures. Chemotherapy tested nitrile gloves go beyond conventional options, offering a robust defense against this formidable adversary. But how are these gloves rigorously tested to ensure
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November 24, 2023
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It refers to any equipment or clothing specifically designed to be worn or used by individuals to protect themselves from potential hazards, risks, or injuries in the workplace or other environments.