Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques - Infection Prevention and the Dental Radiographer

Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques

Introduction to Infection Prevention

  • Chapter 16: Focused on Infection Prevention and the Dental Radiographer.

  • Key topics include the rationale for infection prevention, disease transmission routes, and procedures for infection control in dental radiography.

Lesson 16.1: Overview of Infection Prevention in Dental Radiography

  • Key objectives:

    • Define key terms related to infection prevention.

    • Describe the rationale for infection prevention in dentistry.

    • Identify three possible routes of disease transmission.

    • Discuss the conditions necessary for disease transmission.

    • Review personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, sterilization and disinfection techniques, and environmental surface cleaning methods.

Infection Prevention Fundamentals

Rationale for Infection Prevention

  • Purpose: To minimize the potential for the transmission of infectious diseases in dental settings.

  • Infection transmission routes include:

    • Patient to dental professional.

    • Dental professional to patient.

    • Patient to patient.

Pathogens

  • Defined as microorganisms capable of causing disease.

General Routes of Disease Transmission

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

  2. Indirect contact with contaminated instruments or objects.

  3. Airborne transmission through spatter or aerosolized fluids.

Conditions for Infection Transmission

To occur, the following conditions must be present:

  • A susceptible host.

  • A pathogen with sufficient infectivity and numbers.

  • A portal of entry for the pathogen to enter the host.

Infection Prevention Terminology

Key Terms (1 of 2)

  • Antiseptic: A substance that stops or slows down the growth of pathogens.

  • Asepsis: The absence of pathogenic organisms.

  • Bloodborne pathogen: Infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease.

  • Disinfect: The process of destroying most microorganisms on surfaces.

  • Disinfection: The process of using chemical agents to prevent infection.

  • Exposure incident: The actual contact of skin, mucous membrane, or parenteral exposure with blood or potentially infectious materials.

Key Terms (2 of 2)

  • Infectious waste: Waste that poses a risk of infection.

  • Occupational exposure: Potential exposure to harmful substances due to one’s profession.

  • Parenteral exposure: Exposure via injection or through the skin.

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards.

  • Sharps: Items that can puncture or cut skin.

  • Standard precautions: Guidelines to assist in the prevention of transmission of diseases.

  • Sterilize: The process of eliminating all forms of microbial life.

  • Sterilization: A medical procedure that destroys all microorganisms.

Guidelines for Infection Prevention Practices

  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Essential for protecting dental professionals and patients.

  • Hand hygiene: Critical for preventing infections.

  • Sterilization and disinfection of instruments: Essential to ensure the safety of dental procedures.

  • Cleaning and disinfection of dental unit and environmental surfaces: Important for maintaining a safe dental environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Components of PPE

  • Protective clothing: Gowns and uniforms that protect the skin and clothing.

  • Gloves: Used to prevent direct contact with infectious materials.

  • Masks: Protect against inhalation of airborne contaminants; must be worn during patient interactions.

  • Protective eyewear: Shield against splashes and aerosols.

Hand Hygiene

  • Routine Hand Wash: Using soap and water.

  • Antiseptic Hand Wash: Using antimicrobial soap.

  • Antiseptic Hand Rub: Using alcohol-based rubs for disinfection.

Sterilization and Disinfection of Instruments

Instruments Classification

  1. Critical instruments: Instruments that penetrate soft tissue and bone (e.g., surgical instruments).

  2. Semi-critical instruments: Instruments that contact intact mucous membranes (e.g., dental mirrors).

  3. Non-critical instruments: Instruments that only contact intact skin (e.g., blood pressure cuffs).

Infection Risk by Instrument Type

  • Critical Items: Highest risk; require sterilization.

  • Semi-Critical Items: Require high-level disinfection.

  • Non-Critical Items: Require low-level disinfection; contact with skin only.

Cleaning and Disinfection of Dental Unit and Environmental Surfaces

  • Use of intermediate-level disinfectants for surfaces that may encounter blood.

  • Use of low-level disinfectants for general cleaning of least contaminated surfaces.

Infection Prevention Procedures in Dental Imaging

Procedures Before Exposure

  • Preparation of treatment area, including x-ray machines and dental chairs.

  • Preparation of supplies like films and sensors.

  • Care for the patient, including adjustments and protective equipment.

  • Personal preparation of the radiographer with hand hygiene and PPE.

Procedures During Exposure

  • Proper handling of exposed receptors and ensuring no contamination occurs during processing.

  • Management of any interruptions during exposure to maintain infection control.

Procedures After Exposure

  • Safe disposal of contaminated items and thorough handwashing.

  • Surface disinfection of the dental unit post-procedure.

Infection Prevention for Digital Imaging

  • Digital sensors and PSP sensors: Specific protocols must be followed for infection control, including proper cleaning and disinfection.

Film Processing Infection Prevention Procedures

Procedures in the Darkroom

  • Use of barrier envelopes to minimize contamination.

  • Detailed steps for handling films during processing, including proper disposal of contaminated materials.

Specific Steps for Film Handling Without Barrier Envelopes

  1. Automatic Film Processors with Daylight Loaders:

    • Place contaminated items, gloves, and receptacles appropriately.

    • Follow strict procedures for film removal and cleaning.

  2. Post-Processing Cleanliness:

    • Required handwashing and disposal of contaminants in clearly marked areas.

Conclusion

  • The need for thorough knowledge of infection prevention measures is crucial for ensuring safe dental practices and protecting both patients and practitioners from infection risks.