Infection Control in Dentistry: An Evaluation

Abstract

The dental environment is associated with significant amount of risk for exposure to various micro- organisms. Infection control is one of the prime elements of a successful dental practice. There are many infectious diseases that can be transmitted in a dental environment. New diseases with serious consequences and a high rate of transmission have evolved in the recent past. Infection control is directed at prevention to exposure of such infections and also to prevent it being transferred from person to person. Purpose: The goal of an infection control program is to provide a safe working environment for dental health care personnel and their patients. Practitioners can achieve this by adopting measures that reduce health care-associated infections among patients and occupational exposures among dental health care personnel. It is crucial for all dental practitioners to be up to date on current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, equipment, and techniques for proper infection control. Continuous evaluation of infection control practices is important. Patients and dental providers should be confident that oral health care can be delivered and received in a safe manner. Summary: Most steps in infection control routine are directed at prevention of contact with infectious agent. Personal protection barriers are of great significance in this process. Various methods like sterilization, decontamination and disinfection are indispensable. The WHO and CDC have issued certain guidelines regarding prevention and dealing with certain infective conditions. Dentists need to update themselves about these guidelines, to be able to administer these policies effectively. Use of disposable items may be expensive but is an effective and simple means of infection control. More and more disposable items are being inducted into dental practices especially critical items like needles, syringe etc. With careful evaluation and analysis, infection control routine can be employed in daily practice with the resources available. Constant monitoring and evaluation of infection control routines is required for good effectiveness.