Reprinted from Denturist Association of Canada
INFECTION CONTROL
OVERVIEW
Infection Control in the Denturist Office is a necessary yet sometimes difficult goal. In view of the potentially life-threatening consequences of disease transmission, infection control deserves the utmost serious consideration and effort on the part of the practitioner. This document will attempt to simplify and clarify the procedures necessary to minimize the potential for cross-contamination in the Denturist clinic.
For the purposes of this guideline, infection control will be broken down into the following areas:
Occupational Health
Patient Evaluation
Instrument/Equipment Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization
Surface Cleaning and Disinfection
Laboratory Asepsis and Aseptic Techniques
The aim of infection control is to:
1. Reduce the number of pathogenic microbes to a level where the normal resistance mechanisms of the body can prevent infection;
2. Break the chain of infection and eliminate cross-contamination;
3. Treat every patient and instrument as though capable of transmitting infectious diseases; and
4. Protect patients and staff from infection and its consequences.
Infection Control Protocol is determined by the procedure, not by the patient. Universal precautions should be used routinely with every patient, regardless of the perception of the patient's potential “threat”. It is the ethical and legal responsibility of the Denturist to ensure that all reasonable precautions have been taken to protect the safety and health of all involved.
INFECTION CONTROL
OVERVIEW
Infection Control in the Denturist Office is a necessary yet sometimes difficult goal. In view of the potentially life-threatening consequences of disease transmission, infection control deserves the utmost serious consideration and effort on the part of the practitioner. This document will attempt to simplify and clarify the procedures necessary to minimize the potential for cross-contamination in the Denturist clinic.
For the purposes of this guideline, infection control will be broken down into the following areas:
Occupational Health
Patient Evaluation
Instrument/Equipment Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization
Surface Cleaning and Disinfection
Laboratory Asepsis and Aseptic Techniques
The aim of infection control is to:
1. Reduce the number of pathogenic microbes to a level where the normal resistance mechanisms of the body can prevent infection;
2. Break the chain of infection and eliminate cross-contamination;
3. Treat every patient and instrument as though capable of transmitting infectious diseases; and
4. Protect patients and staff from infection and its consequences.
Infection Control Protocol is determined by the procedure, not by the patient. Universal precautions should be used routinely with every patient, regardless of the perception of the patient's potential “threat”. It is the ethical and legal responsibility of the Denturist to ensure that all reasonable precautions have been taken to protect the safety and health of all involved.
COLLEGE OF
DENTURISTS OF ONTARIO
Regulating the profession of Denturism since 1973
DENTURISTS OF ONTARIO
Regulating the profession of Denturism since 1973
