Chapter 6 Flashcards
What does exposure control refer to?
All procedures during clinical care necessary to provide top-level protection from exposure to infectious agents for members of the dental team and their patients.
What is the professional obligation of dental healthcare personnel (DHCP)?
To serve all patients with comprehensive oral care, including patients with known or unknown communicable diseases.
What must DHCP regularly consult with?
State and local health department recommendations and requirements, which may vary depending on community level rates of transmission of a disease.
What are standard precautions?
The practice of standard precautions is utilized for everyone and means the body fluids of all patients are treated as if they were infectious.
What are the components of standard precautions?
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks or respirators, protective eyewear or face shield, hair coverings, and gowns.
- An organized system for exposure control.
- A written exposure control plan.
- Consistency among DHCP.
- Regular updates to cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Responsibilities of each dental team member.
- Physical barriers for safety.
- Review specific recommendations from the CDC.
What does the continuing health and productivity of DHCP depend on?
Individuals’ efforts to maintain themselves in a high standard of good health.
How do DHCP maintain good health?
- Practice defensively at all times.
- Be aware of signs and symptoms of occupational hazard diseases.
- Seek early diagnosis and treatment of seemingly minor conditions.
What immunizations are recommended for healthcare workers?
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
- Varicella-Zoster
- Meningococcal
- COVID-19
What should be done with records for personal immunizations?
Records should be regularly updated.
What is the recommended clinical attire designed to do?
Protect exposure from infectious materials in splatter or aerosols and minimize cross-contamination.
What is the purpose of protective clothing?
To be worn over clinical attire to protect skin and prevent cross-contamination from blood and other potentially infectious materials.
What should clinicians do if their protective clothing is soaked or soiled?
Change protective clothing immediately.
What is the proper procedure for clinician hair and head covering?
Hair should be worn off the shoulders and fastened back away from the face, with appropriate head cover advised during aerosol generating procedures.
What are the essential characteristics of an ideal mask?
- No contact with the wearer’s nostrils or lips.
- High bacterial filtration efficiency rate.
- Fits snugly around the edges.
- No fogging of eyewear.
- Convenient to put on and remove.
- Made of non-irritating material.
- Does not collapse during wear.
- No interference with breathing.
What is a particulate respirator?
A heavy-duty protective device designed with a tight fit to filter airborne particles.
