Infection Control
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October 18, 2024
International Infection Prevention Week, a celebration of those safeguarding our health, occurs from October 13 to the 19th of 2024. Established in 1986, the week 'aims to shine a light on infection prevention' each year, recognizing those who make infection prevention their professional focus. As we approach International Infection Prevention Week 2024, we must acknowledge and honor the indispensable role of infection preventionists worldwide. From hospitals and clinics to community settings, these committed individuals are at the forefront, ensuring our health is protected by preventing and controlling infections. This year's theme, Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention, underscores the significance of their work and brings attention to an often-overlooked area: dental infection prevention and control.
Dental Infection Prevention and Control
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October 04, 2024
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is a widely recognized antimicrobial agent that has made significant strides in dentistry. Known for its effectiveness in combating oral pathogens, this powerful antiseptic agent is utilized for various applications in dentistry, offering numerous benefits to both patients and practitioners. In this blog, we’ll review some key uses of chlorhexidine gluconate in dentistry and how it contributes to better oral health.
What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a chemical antiseptic that is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its ability to bind to tissues and provide a prolonged antimicrobial effect makes it particularly useful in dental care. Typically available in mouth rinses, gels, and varnishes, chlorhexidine has been embraced as a vital tool for maintaining oral hygiene.
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September 20, 2024
If my dental regulatory body does not state specifically, that I need to track and trace, then who is telling me to track and trace?
A terrific question for any busy dental office to pose … who is telling me to track and trace? To answer the ‘who’ one must understand the ‘why’. Once the ‘why’ is understood through a risk management lens and professional responsibility to keep the public safe, the who loses its debate as you will be the person telling yourself to track and trace!
Tracking and tracing are linking a sterilized package to the client it was used on. Why do we label packages with the date, sterilizer #, load #, contents, and initialize? It is not just to label to see when it was sterilized but also where it’s going or in past tense, has gone. The label is the first step of having a recall system in place, it’s the tracking of packa
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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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April 12, 2024
Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) is a measure used to evaluate the effectiveness of material at filtering out bacteria from a liquid or aerosolized solution. It’s often used in the context of healthcare settings, including dental offices, to assess the performance of sterilization wraps.
In dental offices, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols are critical for maintaining a safe and sterile environment for patients and staff. Sterilization wraps are used to cover instruments and equipment to prevent contamination and ensure the remain sterile until use.
The BFE of sterilization wraps indicates how well the material can filter out bacteria, which is crucial for preventing the transmission of infectious agents during dental procedures. Higher BFE values signify better filtration efficiency, meaning the wrap is more effective at preventing bacterial contamination.
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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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February 16, 2024
Infection control in dentistry is critical to ensuring dental practitioners' and patients' health and safety. With the rise of infectious diseases and the need for stringent practices to prevent their spread, compliance with infection control protocols is of utmost importance in the dental industry. However, achieving full compliance can be challenging, as healthcare providers may demonstrate the Hawthorne effect, impacting their behavior and adherence to recommended guidelines. This article explores the concept of the Hawthorne effect in relation to infection control in dentistry and discusses strategies to ensure effective compliance.
The Hawthorne effect, initially discovered through a series of studies in the 1920s and 1930s at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in Chicago, refers to the phenomenon where people modify their behavior due to the awareness or perception of being observed. In the context of infection control
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December 22, 2023
Enzymatic cleaners are fundamental assets within dental practices, offering a targeted and efficient solution for the removal of organic residues from instruments used in various procedures. Their mechanism of action, controlled through specific enzymes, ensures a thorough cleaning process that goes beyond what conventional cleaners can achieve. In dentistry, these cleaners play a pivotal role in upholding strict hygiene standards, minimizing contamination risks, and prolonging the lifespan of essential instruments and equipment.
Enzymatic Action and Specific Enzymes:
Enzymatic cleaners employ a diverse range of enzymes, each tailored to break down specific organic compounds present on dental instruments.
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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