Are Your Infection Control Practices Protecting Patients from Blood-Borne Diseases?

Due to the rising number of people who have recently been infected with Ebola, the disease has become a common topic in the news. As a blood-borne pathogen that is acquired upon contact with a carrier’s blood or other bodily fluids, Ebola may not be as easily transmitted as the flu or other diseases that travel by air—but that doesn’t mean precautions shouldn’t be taken.

As doctors who work in the mouth, it is important to be mindful of the risks associated with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. Dentists can do their part to mitigate these risks by choosing dental equipment that adheres to best practices for infection control. Compliance with these practices not only protects patients, but also you and your staff. In light of this important topic, we have published two blogs on the subject of infection control:

• Does Your Intraoral Scanner Meet Best Practices for Infection Control?

• Best Practices for Infection Control: Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Radiography (CR)

Of course, the best source of information on how to disinfect your critical and semicritical instruments is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings. While Ebola may not be as much of a concern in some areas, there are a number of blood-borne diseases—including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C—that are very real risks for dental practices. As a result, it’s important to consider how an instrument can be disinfected before purchasing a new piece of dental equipment. What role does infection control play when selecting an intraoral scanner or sensor?