COVID-19

Identifying pathogens to ensure proper elimination has always been part of the infection prevention and control in dentistry. The SARS CoV-2 pandemic has shown how an emerging pathogen can surface and spread globally. Emerging pathogens are defined as a new microorganism or an existing microorganism that is changing patterns. In the hopeful forward movement out of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, the Monkeypox virus has made a come back from the late 1970’s where in the 1980’s it was believed to be irradicated with successful vaccinations ¹. Monkeypox virus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, and includes variola virus (smallpox virus), vaccinia virus, cowpox, and other poxviruses ². The National Library of Medicine states “the last endemic case of smallpox occurred in 1977, total eradication was confirmed in 1980” ³. “Smallpox helped to shape history, and it made history by being the first disease to be controlled by immunization and the first to

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!'

The pre-pandemic patients are getting scheduled, the office is ready with updated infection control policies, the dentist is anxious to return to business as usual. However, the roadblock to retaining or recruiting new dental team members remains exceptionally challenging. Dental offices are still struggling with a labor shortage of hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff. So, what is a dental office to do? What are some solutions to the current dental labor shortage roadblock?

Is poor job satisfaction the reason for the current dental labor shortage? Have dental professionals reached their breaking point with burnout, job dissatisfaction, and their work-life harmony out of balance? Or is the stress of the current COVID-19 pandemic causing the labor shortage in dentistry? What is causing dental professionals to leave the job they had always loved?

The two most popular alcohols used as disinfectants are ethyl alcohol (or ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol .

While both show potent germicidal activity, they have different applications in dental/medical environments.

Let's review the similarities and differences between them and understand which one is better suited for your dental facility.

Some provinces require an ACH test and some do not.

Some require adherence to a specific fallow time and some do not.

For the geographical areas that must adhere to a fallow time, the sequence of the operatory turnover and where and when the clinical notes are written is causing some confusion and must be addressed.

A common question is when does the fallow time begin?

The fallow time begins when the clinician and client leave the operatory.

It does NOT begin when the last AGP was performed.

Why?

The reasoning is while the client is still in the operatory conversing with no mask there could be a chance for airborne transmission.

Air quality has surfaced as a hot topic in the pandemic control measures for dental offices.

Air quality falls under Additional Precautions in a dental offices IPAC Program.

Pre-pandemic, offices were following Routine Practice covering hand hygiene, sharps safety, risk management and personal protective equipment.

Additional precautions are just that, an addition to the routine practice.

Additional precautions are required during respiratory viral outbreaks such as SARS COV-19.

Dental services are now categorized as either aerosol gas producing (AGP) or non-aerosol gas producing (NAGP) with each having its own line up of PPE.

Aerosols have always been a known subject in dentistry.