Infection Control

Infection control process

includes methods used to reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms

pathogen

disease-causing microorganism

aseptic technique

This technique is needed for all procedures in which there is a danger of introducing infection or disease into a human's body. It is required in order to provide a pathogen-free environment

universal precautions

All patients are treated as if they are infectious, and, as such, ___________________ are implemented

standard precautions

body substance isolation techniques

Universal precautions, standard precautions

__________________ and ________________ are practiced prior to, during, and after each procedure in the dental office

chain of asepsis

aseptic procedures ensuring that no cross-contamination occurs

Chain of asepsis

Therefore, every precaution is taken to ensure that the ________________ (aseptic procedures ensuring that no cross-contamination occurs) is not broken and that contamination does not occur.

body substance isolation (BSI)

a system requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) to be worn for protection against contact with all body fluids, whether or not blood is visible.

The National Institute of Health (NIH)

is a government agency that provides research for the expansion and implementation of knowledge for the enhancement of health, prevention of disease, the lengthening of life, and the maintenance of high professional standards.

occupational exposure

is any reasonably anticipated eye, mucosa, skin, or parenteral (cut, needlestick, puncture, abrasions, etc.) exposure, or any contact with blood or saliva, that may be a result of employment tasks.

parenteral

cut, needlestick, puncture, abrasions

1,2

All employers must ensure that employees (full time, part time, and temporary) who fall into Category ____ or ____, whose tasks involve exposure to blood and body fluids, such as saliva or body tissues, have training.

Category 1

includes all tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids such as saliva, and body tissues.

Category 1

This group includes dentist, dental assistant, dental hygienist, and dental laboratory technician.

Category 2

includes all tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids such as saliva, or body tissues, but occasionally may involve unplanned tasks from Category 1.

Category 2

This group includes the receptionist, coordinating assistant, and so on.

Category 3

includes all tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids such as saliva, or body tissues

Category 3

This group includes the accountant, insurance assistant, and so on

Cross-contamination pathways

are formed when pathogens travel from patients to dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, and other patients

biological

In the chain of infection, the main concern is _________________(infectious) agents and their effect on the host.

reservoir

a place where the agent can survive

reservoir

Colonization and reproduction take place while the agent is in the _________________.

fomite

an object, such as instruments or dressings, that is contaminated with an infectious agent

portal of exit

is the route by which an infectious agent leaves the reservoir to be transferred to a susceptible host

mode of transmission

is the process that bridges the gap between the portal of exit of the infectious agent from the reservoir and the portal of entry of the susceptible "new" host.

The modes of transmission

contact transmission, airborne transmission, vehicle transmission, and vector-borne transmission

portal of entry

the route by which an infectious agent enters the host.

portal of entry

● Integumentary system: a break in the skin or mucous membrane ● Respiratory tract: inhaling contaminated droplets ● Genitourinary tract: contamination with infected vaginal secretions or semen ● Gastrointestinal tract: ingesting contaminated food or water ●Circulatory system: a bite from insects or rodents ● Transplacental: a transfer of a microorganism from the mother to the fetus via the placenta and umbilical cord

Contact transmission

Involves the physical transfer of an agent from an infected person to an uninfected person through direct or indirect contact with the infected person.

direct contact

Contact with the infected person ex. blood and saliva

Indirect contact

takes place when microorganisms are transmitted to an object or surface first and then transferred to another person when the person touches the object or surface.

Airborne transmission

Occurs when a susceptible person is exposed to contaminated droplets or dust particles that are suspended in the air. The longer the particle is suspended, the greater the chance it will find an available port of entry in the human host.

Vehicle transmission

Occurs when the agent is transferred to a susceptible host by contaminated inanimate objects, such as dental instruments, water, food, meat, drugs, and blood.

Vector-borne transmission

Occurs when an agent is transferred to a susceptible host by animate means, such as mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, lice, and other animals.

host

A __________ is a simple or complex organism that can be affected by an agent.

susceptible host

A __________________ _________is a person who lacks resistance to an agent and is vulnerable to a disease.

compromised host

A ______________________ ________ is a person whose normal defense mechanisms are impaired and is, therefore, more susceptible to infection.

asymptomatic

no symptoms

asymptomatic

Most individuals infected with HBV and HIV are __________________.

antisepsis

Handwashing is both a mechanical cleaning and chemical __________________ (inhibiting the growth of causative microorganisms).

microflora

Hands contain resident and transient ____________ (visible by use of a microscope)

antimicrobial

Applying the proper technique and using __________________ (microorganism growth inhibitor) handwashing products can add additional protection to ensure that microorganisms are removed each time the hands are washed.

antimicrobial

Chemical antisepsis is accomplished through the use of an _______________ soap.

2

At the beginning of each day, every member of the dental team should complete _______ consecutive 15-second handwashes

Gloves

________________ should never be washed and reused.

type IV

A ___________ ____ allergic reaction to latex is also referred to as allergic contact dermatitis, delayed hypersensitivity, and chemical sensitivity dermatitis

contact dermatitis

An inflammation of the skin due to a chemical irritation is referred to as ______________ _______________.

type I

A __________ ____ allergic reaction can occur minutes after exposure to latex proteins, and can result in death if the patient has an anaphylactic reaction.

spray-wipe-spray

universally accepted technique for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is the _______________ technique.

dental dam

is routinely used as a barrier from fluids and microorganisms in the oral cavity.

dentist

the responsibility for infection control lies with the __________

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A regulating body that enforces the regulation that employers protect their employees from exposure to blood and OPIM is the __________________.

1

Dental assistants fall into category ____ of job classifications for exposure determination

latex gloves

The gloves most frequently used during dental patient care are ____________.

Environmental Protection Agency

The federal regulatory agency involved in the safety and effectiveness of disinfecting and sterilizing solutions is the _____________________ ________________ ____________.

utility gloves

The type of gloves that are used during disinfection and clean up procedures are called ______________ _____________.