Intro to dental assisting final

bacterial spores

most resistant form of a microorganism

sterilization

destroys all microbial forms, including bacteria spores

physic

physical and chemical monitoring

does not endure sterility

chemical monitoring

Involves the use of a heat-sensitive chemical that changes color when exposed to certain conditions

two types of chemical indicators

process indicators - external & process integrators- internal

process indicators- external

placed outside of the instrument package before sterilization, such as autoclave tape or color-change markings on the outside of the sterilization bag

process integrators-internal

placed inside the instrument packages- such as strips, tabs and tubes if colored liquid; provide indicators and integrators provide immediate, visual control of sterilizing conditions, but they do not indicate sterility and are a replacement for biological monitoring

physical monitoring

Involves looking at gauges and readings on the sterilizer and recording temperatures, pressure, and exposure time; correct readings do not guarantee sterilization; temperature recorded is for the chamber - not for the instruments inside the package

biological monitoring

biologic spore testing > spore testing; only way to determine whether sterilization has occurred and to confirm that all bacteria and endospores have been killed; should be done weekly/vials or strips

sterilization failures

faulty autoclave, overloading sterilizer, improper temperature

purpose of holding solution

prevents the drying of blood and debris on instruments, the least desirable method of pre-cleaning is hand- scrubbing instruments

necessary PPE when processing instruments

gloves, protective eye wear

water used with steam autoclave

distilled water

Disinfectants can only be used if approved by?

EPA (environmental protective agency)

primary role of OSHA

employee safety

components of the OSHA Hazard Communication

SDS sheets, chemical inventory, labeling containers

SDS -Safety Data Sheets

contian health and safety information about every chemical in the office

regulated waste

Contaminated needle, requires special disposal (sharps container should be located as close to the operatory as possible)

non-regulated waste

mixing pads, used patient bib, saliva-soaked gauze

waste that has had contact with some blood or other body fluids - pt. napkins, barriers

considered contaminated waste and is disposed of as general waste in most states

hazardous waste

contain chemicals that pose a danger to human health

utility gloves should be worn

disinfecting the treatment area

critical instruments

surgical and other instruments used to penetrate soft tissue or bone; burs, scalpel, scalers, forceps

bioflim

found in DUWL’s -dental unit water lines

“backflow” from the low-volume saliva ejector

occurs when the patient closes his or her lips around the tip of a saliva ejector

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

protects workers who are expected to come in contact with blood or OPIM (other potential infectious material) as a result of performing their job