PPE

Question 1

Why?

Answer 1

PPE is used as part of a standard precaution it acts as a protective barrier gainers transmission of infections

Question 2

Disposable clinical gloves

Answer 2

• for all trt and shouldn’t be worn as an alternative to hand washing
• single use and donned at the start if the trt and removed at the end of procedure
• to avoid contaminating oneself, remove gloves aseptically so that the outside of the glove is not touched with bare hands
• gloves can develop tears and may leak so hands are cleaned after disposing
• nitrile or neoprene gloves are preferred over latex as staff and pts can become sensitised to latex
• sterile gloves should be used for invasive surgery

Question 3

Household gloves

Answer 3

worn for cleaning of dental instruments as they are less likely to be punctured by sharp instruments and protect hands from irritant chemicals.

• gloves should be washed with detergent and hot water and left to dry
• they should be replaced weekly or more frequently if worn or torn

Question 4

Plastic disposable aprons

Answer 4

uniforms are not usually made of materials that are impermeable to body fluids and further protection is required

• wear if there is a risk that clothing may be exposed to blood or saliva such as during aerosol generating procedures or scaling, root planning when there is likely to be excessive bleeding (decontamination also)
• remove by breaking the straps and folding the apron in on itself

Question 5

Face mask

Answer 5

single use and recommended for all dental procedures
provide a barrier protection against splatter
-try to avoid touching the outer surface as may be contaminated
-break straps and lift over the ears
-never wear under chin as will contaminate skin and clothes

Question 6

Eye protection

Answer 6

goggles or visor for all dental treatment and during decontamination procedures

• protects against splatter and foreign bodies such as amalgam fragments
• glasses do not provide sufficient eye protection as they lack side protection, visor can be worn over
• visors have the added advantage of preventing touching the face with contaminated gloved hands

Question 7

Uniform and footwear

Answer 7

should not be worn outside the practice at any time, staff should travel to and from work in their own clothes

• staff should change into work uniforms
• all footwear must be safe, sensible and appropriate for the working environment

Question 8

Laundering

Answer 8

must be changed daily and washed to prevent cross contamination - washed at the highest temp suitable for the fabric - check manufacturers instructions
sufficient uniforms for the recommended laundry practice should be provided as staff who have too few uniforms may be tempted to reduce frequency of laundering

Question 9

Tunic

Answer 9

should be short sleeved to allow nurse to carry out clinical or surgical scrub. if need to wear sleeves due to medical or religious reasons, then wear disposable sleeves. no cardigan or jumper must be worn in the clinical area

Question 10

Removal of PPE

Answer 10

1. gloves
2. plastic apron
3. mask or visor and then mask
4. goggles
5. hand washing