IPAC Compliance
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March 28, 2023
Sterilization pouches are a vital tool that help to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
These specialized pouches provide an extra layer of protection against infection by killing instrument germs and bacteria.
They provide a sterile environment that prevents cross-contamination, which can be potentially dangerous.
But how do sterilization pouches work?
Sterilization pouches use a combination of heat, humidity, and pressure to create an environment inside the pouch that eliminates microorganisms.
The pouch is constructed from solid paper and/or plastic material
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March 15, 2023
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV)*
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in Canada and the United States.
Symptoms and Care
Symptoms
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
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March 15, 2023
Interim guidance on infection prevention and control for suspect, probable, or confirmed monkeypox within Healthcare settings*
Infection Prevention and ControlAirborne, droplet, and contact precautions should be used for all suspect, probable, and confirmed cases of monkeypox. Precautions should be used when a patient presents with fever and vesicular/pustular rash (suspected case). Any lesions or respiratory secretions should be considered infectious material.
Routine Practices
Continue to follow routine practices including:
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March 15, 2023Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease*
Symptoms of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease usually include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. Most children have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days.
Fever and flu-like symptoms
Children often get a fever and other flu-like symptoms 3 to 5 days after they catch the virus. Symptoms can include fever, eating or drinking less, sore throat, or feeling unwell.
Mouth sores
Your child can get painful mouth sores.
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March 10, 2023
In the past few months, I have been asked by dental offices what type of training the person performing instrument reprocessing requires.
Regardless of geographical location, every dental office MUST have a policy in effect that specifies the requirements and frequencies of baseline and ongoing IPAC education and training, as well as a competency assessment of the employee in regard to instrument reprocessing and the equipment used for reprocessing.
What does this mean for new hires and existing employees?
First, it means when new hires come on board, having an existing team member, or the team member that is about to leave train the new hire no longer cuts it. Why?
Because it’s not enough.
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March 05, 2023A dental office reprocessing area must be organized in a one-way workflow to prevent cross-contamination. The one-way workflow is composed of stations that are linked in functionality to one another to finally achieve the end point of reprocessing; sterilization. Each station can only perform the duties of THAT station and can only host the contents of THAT station’s tasks. In ‘common practice’ vs ‘best practice’ reprocessing rooms ...
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March 01, 2023There are two main elements to the reprocessing of a dental bur. First, what does the manufacturer of the bur state to do with the bur? Is it single use or can it be reprocessed? Second, if it can be reprocessed what are the steps from end-to-end use that meet IPAC standards of practice.
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February 15, 2023
What are the different types of cleaners used in dentistry? — In the dental office, multiple cleaners are used to keep the office free of harmful germs. These cleaners are referred to as disinfectants and are applied to contaminated surfaces to kill the pathogens present. They are available in the form of sprays, wipes, and solutions.
Types of Disinfectants
The process of disinfecting is a two-step procedure. First, the surface must be cleaned to ensure all blood, debris, and waste is removed. Second, the surface is disinfected by applying a disinfectant and letting the chemicals activate for the noted contact time to kill all bacteria, viruses and possible fungi present.
Disinfectants are separated into three different categories:
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January 30, 2023
Cleaning and maintaining Dental Unit Waterlines is essential for patients and dental professionals' health and safety.
Not only does it keep patients safe from harmful bacteria, but it also helps to protect equipment longevity.
Dental Unit Waterlines are a common source of microbial contamination and need to be cleaned regularly in order to prevent build up of a microbial biofilm colony inside the narrow tubing of the DUWL.
Reasons for Cleaning
Dental Unit Waterlines are essential to keeping a dental practice running smoothly. It is important to keep these waterlines clean and free from contaminants to ensure the safe delivery of water during dental services.
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December 29, 2022
This blog may have been posted after our holiday season celebrations with office parties and family gatherings.
As we return to our routine office schedules, we must maintain our respiratory health program with the most current and appropriate CDC infection prevention recommendations for the 2022-2023 flu season.
Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and even new viruses can appear each year and a gift none of us wants to receive.
Although the fall and winter is typically the most popular season for the flu to rear its ugly head, the season of flu can vary from different parts of the country and from season to season.
Annual flu is “a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death”.1 (CDC influenza). Flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or
