Can A Dental Front Desk Has Very Long Nails?

Infection Control 2 — © freepeoplea / Adobe Stock

Infection control has e'er been a top priority for dental hygienists. After all, information technology is vital to create a safe treatment environment for patients and hygienists alike. However, some dental hygienists mistakenly endanger themselves and their patients by failing to update their protocols and all-time practices. After writing my previous article on infection control mistakes, I received a plethora of responses from hygienists who wanted me to address boosted infection control errors. Below are five more than infection control mistakes that hygienists could easily make without realizing that they are actually posing a threat to themselves and their patients.

Error #1: Using gauze pre-soaked in disinfectant to wipe downwards equipment.

Neither the Organisation for Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) or the Centers for Affliction Command and Prevention (CDC) recommends soaking gauze in disinfectant. (4, five). While using gauze pre-soaked in disinfectant might seem like an effective means of cleaning equipment, studies cited past the CDC have shown that there are several reasons why this practice is dangerous:

The cotton wool fibers in gauze tin can blot and conciliate the agile agents in disinfectants. (8).
Quaternary ammonium disinfectant is 40%-50% less constructive after just one hour of soaking. (4).
Gram-negative bacteria can survive and multiply when other disinfectants are soaked in gauze. (4).

OSAP suggests that anyone planning to soak gauze with disinfectant should saturate the gauze at the time of use. (five). To be very articulate, these guidelines pertain to soaking gauze; information technology does not pertain to pre-soaked, set-to-use disinfecting wipes in the original manufacturer's container. Additionally, gauze and disinfectants should be used according to manufacturer'due south instructions. Past heeding these suggestions, you lot can avoid putting patients at an increased run a risk for cross-contamination.

Mistake #ii: Wearing bogus nails or failing to keep nails short and unpainted.

Keeping your nails short is not mandated past the CDC. However, about of the flora found on hands is concentrated around or under the fingernails. (three). Appropriately, the CDC recommends that hygienists keep their nails short enough to enable clinicians to clean underneath them hands. You should besides keep your nails brusk because long nails can make information technology difficult to put on gloves and can compromise their integrity, potentially leading to tears. (4). Micro-tears in clinician's gloves caused by long fingernails are so modest; they may not fifty-fifty be credible via visual inspection.

Fewer studies have been conducted on the risks of wearing artificial nails in dentistry professions. Withal, bogus nails have been linked to numerous outbreaks of bacterial and fungal infections in infirmary settings. (2). Additionally, researchers have found that artificial nail wearers have higher levels of gram-negative bacteria than non-wearers, even later washing their hands. (2, 4). For these reasons, it is wise to refrain from wearing artificial nails.

In improver to maintaining brusque nails and avoiding artificial nails, hygienists should avoid wearing boom polish. While freshly applied boom polish on short nails is non linked to increased leaner effectually the fingernail expanse, chipped nail smooth can harbor bacteria. (2,4). Since there is no way to prevent nail polish from chipping, the CDC strongly recommends keeping your nails short and free of polish.

Mistake #three: Failing to modify ultrasonic cleaner solution at least one time per day.

A study conducted past Sultan Healthcare, a leading manufacturer of quality infection command products, yielded some startling findings regarding ultrasonic cleaning. The study institute that roughly one in four dental practices practice non change their ultrasonic cleaning solution frequently enough. (x). Below are some key points to remember to minimize bacterial contamination during the ultrasonic cleaning procedure:

Ultrasonic cleaning solution should be inverse more oftentimes if it becomes cloudy or murky.
Be certain to shut the chapeau when operating your ultrasonic cleaner or y'all could inhale harmful aerosols.
Whatever old ultrasonic solution should be discarded in accord with manufacturer instructions. (4).
Allow the ultrasonic cleaner container to fully dry out before reusing it. (four).

Fortunately, yous tin avoid ultrasonic cleaning mistakes by adhering to manufacturer instructions. Unless the manufacturer instructions for your ultrasonic cleaner solution conspicuously states that you tin use the same solution for several days in a row, you should change the solution at least once each day. And retrieve to keep the lid on your cleaner closed to avoid inhaling aerosols that may comprise contaminated particles.

Mistake #4: Taking extra infection control precautions with patients who accept HIV or AIDS.

Treating a patient with HIV or AIDS differently is unethical, unlawful, and discriminatory. Y'all cannot treat HIV/AIDS patients simply at certain times, only on certain days, treat them in unlike operatories, or refer them because yous feel "uncomfortable" treating them. According to a study released by The Williams Found, 5% of dental practices in Los Angeles refused to offer dental care to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). (ix). These findings may seem surprising to Americans who remember that discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients no longer exists. In spite of the fact that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 covers HIV/AIDS patients, there continue to be complaints filed confronting dentists that upshot in costly settlements of upward to $50,000. Below are some factors to consider when treating HIV/AIDS patients:

The CDC indicates that the transmission of HIV is very rare. (4).
HIV/AIDS is not on a list of conditions or diseases that dental care providers are at chance for acquiring.
Global studies testify that the run a risk of HIV transmission afterward exposure to infected blood is 0.iii%. (four).
The take a chance of HIV transmission afterwards exposure to mucous membranes is 0.1%. (4).
The take a chance of transmitting Hepatitis C through a unmarried percutaneous exposure to blood is roughly ten times higher than that of HIV. (1).
The risk of transmitting Hepatitis B through a single percutaneous exposure to blood is nearly 100 times higher than that of HIV. (1).

Dental intendance providers tin can avoid discriminating against HIV/AIDS patients by doing two simple things. First, they should care for every patient equally. Second, they should adhere to standard precautions when treating patients. Abiding by standard precautions means that all patients are treated as if they have an infection, regardless of whether they disembalm the presence of any infection. In brusk, there should exist no change in protocol when treating HIV/AIDS patients. No double gloving, no disinfecting your operatory or sterilizing instruments any differently than someone who didn't cheque the HIV/AIDS box on their wellness history. To practise so is discrimination which is highly illegal and just unethical.

With this said, the only modifications to treating patients with HIV/AIDS should be based on their health. For instance, knowing their INR count to business relationship for bleeding risk or blood counts indicating immunosuppression.

Mistake #five: Reusing disposable items or single-use products.

Reusing disposable or single-use products is a practice that is typically undertaken in an attempt to command costs. However, there are a number of reasons why clinicians shouldalways follow the manufacturer's instructions and refrain from reusing disposable or unmarried-use items. A few of these reasons are equally follows:

Disposable items may deteriorate later on utilize, potentially leading to breakage during treatment. (4).
Reusing disposable sterilization pouches impedes their ability to go on instruments sterile. (6,7).
Single-use items in dentistry are often not heat-tolerant, preventing proper sterilization. (4).

Though they aren't a straight patient care detail, reusing disposable sterilization pouches, isn't okay either. They only aren't meant to exist reused, nor are they designed for reuse or FDA registered for reuse. (vi, seven). Loss of chemical indicator ability, insecure sealing of the pouch, and the power of the pouch to maintain the sterility are al hindered by reusing sterilization pouches. (6, 7).

Fugitive this fault is every bit simple every bit following a curt gear up of instructions. If a manufacturer states that a product is a disposable or single-use item, then it should only be used one time. There are no exceptions to this recommendation.

The Bottom Line

Dental hygienists and other dental professionals should never let the want to cutting costs or failure to follow manufacturer instructions to compromise their own safety or the condom of patients. I urge yous to take the fourth dimension to review the2016 CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings (three) and the2003 CDC's Guidelines for Infection Command in Dental Health-Care Settings (4). The Summary is especially useful, as it features helpful checklists that your office tin can employ to make certain that your staff is employing the proper infection control practices. The 2003 CDC Guidelines include detailed answers to virtually every infection control question y'all may take. By going directly to the source of manufacture regulations and protocols, you can ensure that you receive the most authentic responses to all of your infection command questions.

Now Listen to the Today's RDH Dental Hygiene Podcast Below:

References

Abel, S.N., et al. (2000). Dental Alliance for AIDS/HIV Intendance. Principles of Oral Wellness Management for the HIV/AIDS Patient. Retrieved from https://aidsetc.org/sites/default/files/resources_files/Princ_Oral_Health_HIV.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Mitt Hygiene in Health-Care Settings. MMWR 2002; 51 (No. RR-sixteen). Retrieved from http://world wide web.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, March). Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/pdf/rubber-care.pdf
Kohn, W.1000., Collins, A.S., Cleveland, J.L., Harte, J.A., Eklunt, 1000.J., Malvitz, D.M. Center for Affliction Control and Prevention. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings – 2003. MMWR 2003; 52 (Report No. 17). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdf
Arrangement for Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). Often Asked Questions on Dental Infection Control. Retrieved from http://www.osap.org/?FAQ_Instrum_Disinf1#ireadrecently
Organization for Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). Frequently Asked Questions Instrument Sterilization. Retrieved from http://www.osap.org/?FAQ_Instrum_Ster2#agraduate
Robinson, D.Southward., Bird, D.50. (2013). Essentials of Dental Profitable (5^th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
Rutala, W.A., Weber, D.J., HICPAC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/disinfection_nov_2008.pdf
Sears, B., Cooper, C. Younai, F.B., Donohoe, T. (2001, Dec.). The Williams Establish. HIV Bigotry in Dental Intendance: Results of a Discrimination Testing Report in Los Angeles County. Retrieved from http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Sears-HIV-Discrimination-Dental-Care-December-2011.pdf
Sultan Healthcare. Retrieved from http://world wide web.sultanresurge.com/Content3.html