Personal Protection and Safety
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
May 17, 2023
In the dental industry, ensuring the safety of dental professionals and patients is of paramount importance. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in safeguarding against potential hazards, including infectious diseases, chemical exposure, and physical injuries. Donning and doffing protocols are crucial procedures that dental professionals must adhere to in order to properly wear and remove PPE. This article will explore the various types of PPE used in the dental industry and the correct practices for donning and doffing.
-
April 17, 2023
It is no secret that dental clinicians work hours upon hours under the armor of personal protective equipment. For educational facilities and some dental offices, the pandemic PPE layers were not new protocols. For others, it was a novel approach to the safe practice of dentistry.
Are all these layers still required post-pandemic? Why had educational facilities and some offices already expanded their PPE wardrobe before the pandemic?
-
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 ...
-
February 14, 2023
Gloves are the most important part of any medical facility.
Why do dentists choose nitrile gloves? — Disposable nitrile gloves are part of the dental staff’s personal protection equipment (PPE) used when completing exams and procedures. They provide a barrier of protection to the skin, resistance from tears, and durability. Nitrile gloves are produced from hypoallergenic synthetic materials, making them a safe alternative for those with latex allergies.
Latex Gloves vs. Nitrile Gloves
In the past, disposable latex gloves were the standard gloves used in hospitals and dental offices in Canada. That changed several years ago as latex allergies became more common, and nitrile gloves became the alternative.
Latex gloves are
-
December 08, 2022Antibiotic resistance is a global issue that requires the attention of all countries, governments, and health agencies.
-
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!'
-
July 28, 2021
Disposable gloves are beneficial when it comes to ensuring protection against microbes and hazardous substances. Using disposable gloves has become crucial for people who work in industries like dentistry, personal services, healthcare and front-line service workers. With a few options to choose from, the material of the gloves you should use can be unclear. In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at the differences between nitrile, latex and vinyl gloves.