Infection Control

As we approach 2025, it’s hard to ignore the seismic shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the world has adapted to new norms, certain sectors, such as dentistry, continue to face unique challenges. The pandemic affected not only our health but also our dental practices, introducing waves of stress, financial burdens, and new stringent infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols.

In this week's blog, we explore the unseen struggles dental clinics face as they navigate a post-pandemic landscape and what that means for the patients who rely on their care.

The Financial Strain on Dental Clinics

When COVID-19 swept the globe, dental clinics were among the first to feel the effects. With government mandates for non-emergency dental procedures to halt, m

Why does sterilization monitoring include both a biological indicator ‘test’ and a ‘control’?  Post incubation is it not clear enough that the user will simply look to see if the vial is purple or yellow?  Seems simple to observe a color change and log the outcomes.  This is all indeed true, however, dental professionals need to remember the structure of scientific testing and validating. Going back to high school science and the science labs in undergrad we were all taught the purpose of following the scientific method. As we get busy in our typ

In dentistry, effective sterilization processes are paramount to ensuring patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections. Traditionally, dental practices relied on manual monitoring techniques to track sterilization cycle parameters, but the landscape is shifting. Digital sterilization monitoring systems offer a more accurate, efficient, and reliable solution. This blog explores the key differences between digital and manual sterilization monitoring, highlighting why the transition to digital systems is essential for modern dental practices.

The Importance of Effective Sterilization Monitoring

Sterilization is crucial in dentistry to eliminate pathogens from equipment such as instruments and surfaces. Dental professionals have associations that provide standards and guidelines to help implement effective sterilization protocols. Accurate

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

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.

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

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

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

Imagine performing a delicate oral surgery or administering life-saving medication with a glove that’s as uncomfortable as a pair of shoes that’s two sizes too small. It’s not just a minor annoyance – it’s a matter of patient safety and healthcare professionals (HCPs) well-being.

But what exactly is the impact of poor glove fit on healthcare professionals? Instead, let’s focus on the positive effects of a proper glove fit. A comfortable and secure fit can improve our dexterity, reduce strain, and enhance our ability to provide high-quality patient care.

Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions

A properly fit glove can prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions or sensitivities in several ways:

Infection control is a critical component of healthcare, yet it's often overlooked or taken for granted. In reality, the improper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and lack of proper hand hygiene protocols can all contribute to the spread of infections. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect millions of people worldwide each year, resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. As healthcare professionals, it's essential that we prioritize infection control and take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infections in our patients and colleagues.

1. Not properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Many healthcare professionals may not follow proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols, which can lead to the spread of