Chapter 16 Infection Prevention and the Dental Radiographer

Use of a chemical or physical procedure to destroy all pathogens, including spores

Sterilize

Microorganism capable of causing disease

Pathogen

Exposure to infectious materials resulting from procedures performed by the dental professional

Occupational exposure

Exposure to infectious materials that results from piercing or puncturing the skin

Parenteral exposure

Use of a chemical or physical procedure to destroy all pathogens, except spores

Disinfect

Instrument used to penetrate soft tissue or bone

Critical instrument

Instrument that contacts but does not penetrate soft tissue or bone

Semicritical instrument

Instrument that does not contact mucous membranes

Noncritical instrument

Waste that consists of blood, blood products, contaminated sharps, and other microbiologic products

Infectious waste

Absence of pathogens

Asepsis

What is the primary purpose of infection prevention

To prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

List the three possible routes of disease transmission

Direct contact, with pathogens present in saliva, blood, respiratory secretions, or lesions

Indirect contact with contaminated objects or instruments

Direct contact with airbone contaminants present in spatter aerosols of oral and respiratory fluids

List the three conditions that must be present for disease transmission to occur

A susceptible host

A pathogen with sufficient infectivity and numbers to cause infection

A portal through which the pathogen may enter the host

Identify the false statement concerning protective clothing

A. it must be worn by all dental professionals

B. it must be worn to prevent contact with infectious materials

C. it must be changed weekly

D. it must be removed before leaving the dental office

C. it must be changed weekly

Identify the false statement concerning gloves

A. gloves must be worn by all the dental professionals

B. gloves must be washed before use

C. gloves must be worn for each patient

D. glove must be sterile for surgical procedures

B. gloves must be washed before use

Identify the false statement concerning masks and protective eyewear

A. masks and protective eyewear are optional, but highly suggested, for dental radiographic procedures

B. Masks must be changed between patients

C. When visibly soiled, protective eyewear must be disinfected between patients

D. Protective shield must be worn during radiographic procedures

A. masks and protective eyewear are optional, but highly suggested, for dental radiographic procedures

Identify the true statements concerning hand hygiene. Hands must be washed

A. before and after gloving

B. before and after each patient

C. after touching contaminated surfaces

D. with plain soap for routine dental procedures

1. a, b, c, and d

2. a, b, and c

3. a, b, and d

4. b, c, and d

1. a, b, c, and d

A. before and after gloving

B. before and after each patient

C. after touching contaminated surfaces

D. with plain soap for routine dental procedures

Examples of critical instruments include

A. beam alignment device

B. scalpel

C. scaler

D. amalgam condenser

1. a, b, c, and d

2. a, b, and c

3. b, c, and d

4. b and c

4. b and c

B. scalpel

C. scaler

EPA-registered chemical germicides labeled as both hospital disinfectants and tuberculocidal agents are classified as

A. high-level disinfectants

B. sterilant disinfectants

C. low-level disinfectants

D. intermediate-level disinfectants

D. intermediate-level disinfectants

EPA-registered chemical germicides labeled only as hospital disinfectants are classified as

A. high-level disinfectants

B. sterilant disinfectants

C. low-level disinfectants

D. intermediate-level disinfectants

C. low-level disinfectants

Describe the infection prevention procedures that are necessary before x-ray exposure

The dental professional must prepare the surfaces that are likely to be touched during the imaging procedure.All these surfaces should be covered with imperious, disposable materials such as plastic wrap, plastic-backed paper, or aluminum foils.

Describe the infection prevention procedures are necessary during x-ray exposure

Once gloves have been put on and exposure bins, the dental radiographer should take special care to touch only covered surfaces. The best way the dental radiogapher can minimize contamination is to touch as few surfaces as possible, including the face. During and immediately after exposure, the dental radiographer must handle each receptor in a manner consistent with comprehensive infection control guidelines.

Describe the infection prevention procedures that are necessary after x-ray exposure

Immediately after the completion of receptor exposures. all contaminated items must be discarded, and any uncovered areas must be disinfected. Contaminated items must be handled in a manner consistent with recommended infection control guidelines.

Describe the infection prevention procedures that are necessary with digital imaging equipment

After the exposure of digital sensors, specific infection control guidelines must be followed. Neither wired sensors nor PSP plates can be placed into an autoclave or submerged in a disinfecting solution. Therefore protective barriers and disinfecting wipes must be used to meet infection control standards.

Describe the infection prevention procedures that are necessary for film processing

Place a disposable towel on the wok surface in the darkroom

Place the container with contaminated films next to the towel

Put on gloves

Take one contaminated film out of the container

Tear open the barrier envelope

Allow the film to drop onto the paper towel

Do not touch the film with gloved hands

Dispose of the barrier envelope

After all barrier envelops have been opened, dispose of the container

Remove gloves, and wash hands

Turn out the darkoom lights, and secure the door

Unwrap the process films

Label the film mount, paper cup, or envelope with the patient's name, and use it to collect processed films

Discuss film handling in the darkroom, with and without barrier envelopes

Place a disposable towel on the work surface in the darkroom

Place the container with the contaminated films next to the towel

Put on gloves

Turn out the darkroom light, and secure the door

Take one contaminated film out of the container

Open the film packet tab, and slide out the lead foil backing and black paper. Discarded the film packet wrapping.

Rotate the foil away from the black paper, and discard it

Without touching the film, open the black paper wrapping

Allow the film to drop on the paper towel

Don not touch the film with gloved hands

Discard the black paper wrapping

Remove gloves, and wash hands

Process the films

Label the film mount, paper cup, or envelope with the patient's name, and use it to collect processed films