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Infection Control
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Infection control (sterilization of instruments) Colds, tuberculosis, hepatitis
A, B, C, the ever- dreaded disease-AIDS, and a number of other contagious diseases
can be contracted through dental treatments. With stories of the rampant spread
of infections appearing daily in the media and the press, it is but natural that
you might experience undue anxiety before visiting a dentist. At Global Dental Care
however, you can rest assured of your safety.
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Use of Disposables
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We take great precautions to prevent cross infection, which is basically the transmission
of diseases from one patient to another or from patient to dentist and vice versa.
Hence the possibility of getting infected while undergoing dental treatment is practically
nil at Global Dental Care.
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The unique nature of dental procedures, instrumentation and patient care settings
require specific strategies directed at the prevention of transmission of diseases
amongst dental health care workers and their patients.
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The most common threat in dental procedures is the transmission of Hepatitis B virus
and HIV.
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Transmission of infection within the setting of dentistry may occur from the dental
professional to the patient or from the patient to the professional or from patient
to patient.
HIV or hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been known to have been transmitted from dental
health care workers to their patients and vice versa on many occasions.
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What do we do to prevent the hazards of infection transmission?
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Here are a few precautions that we take….
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Medical History
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A thorough medical history is taken and updated at subsequent examinations. Medical
history screening is essential in alerting the clinician to medical problems that
could, in conjunction with dental treatment, adversely affect the patient.
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Achieved by a combination of immunization procedures, use of barrier techniques
and strict adherence to routine infection control procedures.
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Immunization
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All our dental health care workers including the specialist team are immunized against
HBV.
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Protective Measures
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Protection can be achieved by a combination of immunization procedures, use of barrier
techniques and strict adherence to routine infection control procedures.
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- Immunization
All dental health care workers are advised to get immunized against HBV Protective
coverings
- Protective Coverings
- Uniforms
Uniforms are changed regularly and whenever soiled. Gowns or aprons are worn during
procedures that are likely to cause spattering or splashing of blood.
- Hand Protection
Gloves are worn for dental procedures and a new pair is used for each patient. If
a glove is damaged, it is replaced immediately. Hands are washed thoroughly with
a proprietary disinfectant liquid soap prior to and immediately after the use of
gloves.
- Protective glasses, masks or face shields
Protective glasses, masks or face shields are worn by operators and close-support
dental surgery assistants to protect the eyes against the spatter and aerosols which
may be released during cavity preparation, scaling and the cleaning of instruments.
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Instrument Sterilization
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All instruments are cleaned thoroughly before sterilization by rinsing and scrubbing
with detergent and water. Proper sterilization techniques, meeting international
standards of sterilization are regularly carried out; thus ensuring near aseptic
procedure.
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Disposal of Waste
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Sharp items including needles and scalpels and local anaesthetic cartridges are
placed into puncture proof containers, securely sealed. These, together with all
medical waste are disposed safely.
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Apart from the above, additional precautions are taken, wherever necessary to maintain
a healthy and safe environment for all patients and also for the oral care unit.
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