Interim guidance on infection prevention and control for suspect, probable, or confirmed monkeypox within Healthcare settings*

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) predominantly affect infants and children under 5 years old. It's characterized by symptoms like fever, mouth sores, and a distinctive skin rash on the hands and feet, sometimes spreading to other body parts like the buttocks, legs, and arms. The disease typically lasts 7 to 10 days and is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus family, notably Coxsackievirus A16 and Coxsackievirus A6, which are common in North America, while Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) has been associated with more severe cases, especially in East and Southeast Asia.

Symptoms of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Symptoms generally manifest around 3 to 5 days after exposure, starting with fever and flu-like indications, followed by the appearance of painful mouth sores and a

Norovirus:

• Is a small non-enveloped virus (27 nanometers); moderately to highly resistant to inactivation
• Worldwide infections number greater than 680 million recorded cases annually, with 200,000 deaths (from 2015 data)
• Is a very persistent virus in the environment (water and environmental surfaces)

A recent study showed that over 90% of dental professionals were feeling stressed. Those who work in the dental industry are probably not surprised to hear this. Working in dentistry has always been identified as a highly stressful profession.

Operating a successful dental practice extends beyond purchasing equipment and supplies. Understanding the nuances of expenses and implementing targeted approaches to reduce costs while increasing profits is pivotal for sustained growth and success.

Understanding Variable Costs and Fixed Expenses

Variable costs, representing 45-55% of a dental office's expenses, encompass various essential elements like payroll, lab fees, expense fees, dental and office supplies, staff CE training, and infection control products. Meanwhile, fixed expenses, constituting 4-7%, encompass recurring overheads such as rent or mortgage, utilities, phone/internet services, dental software subscriptions, and staff health benefits.

Diverse Factors Influencing Costs

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.

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

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: Enhancing Oral Health

Mouthwash, a vital oral hygiene tool, comes in various types, offering temporary benefits or actively addressing dental concerns.  Therapeutic mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate stand out for their ability to combat plaque, gingivitis, and tooth decay.

Understanding Chlorhexidine Gluconate

Chlorhexidine gluconate, a potent cationic antiseptic, serves as a cornerstone in dental care. With a bisbiguanide base activity and a broad-spectrum antibiotic, it’s method disrupts microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death, and effectively targets a wide spectrum of oral pathogens.