Dental Technology — Environmental Interventions (Strand 3: Therapeutic Interventions)

Standard precautions

Infection-control practices used with every patient to prevent pathogen transmission.

Bloodborne pathogens

Infectious microorganisms in blood that can cause disease.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Protective clothing and gear used to safeguard against exposure to hazards.

Sharps safety

Safe handling and disposal protocols for sharp instruments to prevent injuries.

Informed consent

Voluntary agreement by a patient to undergo a medical procedure after understanding its risks.

Capacity/competence

A patient's ability to understand and make decisions regarding their treatment.

Minimum necessary principle

Rule that requires sharing only the amount of protected health information needed for a specific purpose.

Exposure risks

Situations that increase the likelihood of blood or bodily fluid exposure.

Chemical hazards

Risks associated with exposure to toxic substances in the workplace.

Aquatic hazards

Risks related to water/fluids that can cause slips or mix with electrical hazards.

Ergonomics

The science of designing workstations and tasks to fit the user and reduce strain.

Emergency operations plan

A facility's guideline for responding to emergencies such as fires and natural disasters.

Hazardous materials

Substances that pose a risk to health through exposure.

Aseptic technique

Practices aimed at minimizing contamination by pathogens.

Sterilization

The process that destroys all microbial life, including spores.

Regulated waste

Biomedical waste that requires special handling and disposal.

Call lights and alarms

Safety signals indicating the need for assistance or alerting to abnormal situations.

Disaster preparedness

Planning and training for emergencies to reduce chaos and improve response.

Noise control

Strategies used to minimize disruptive sounds during patient care.

Respiratory hygiene

Preventing the spread of respiratory pathogens through appropriate practices.

Instrument accounting

The process of tracking and managing medical instruments to ensure safety.

Cleaning and disinfection

Processes to remove contaminants from surfaces and instruments.

Bleeding risk factors

Factors that increase a patient's likelihood of excessive bleeding.

Emergency response protocol

Set procedures for addressing emergencies as per the facility's guidelines.

Patient autonomy

The right of patients to make informed choices regarding their healthcare.