![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/yellowbar_top.gif) |
AIDS Precautions - Dental |
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/spacer.gif) |
|
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/blank.gif) |
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/blank.gif) |
OSH
Answers |
|
|
|
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/spacer.gif) |
What precautions should I take when employed in the dental field? Consider blood, saliva and gingival fluid from all dental patients as infective. Refer to "Universal Precautions" for preventing transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases. - Use rubber dams in restorative dentistry whenever possible
- Report immediately a needlestick or sharp injury to a designated person because if post-exposure chemoprophylaxis is to be implemented, it should begin preferably within 1 to 2 hours after exposure.
What personal protection should I use? Wear gloves: - if you have open or healing wounds, or skin infections
- when in contact with saliva, mucous membranes or blood
- when in contact with blood-soiled items, body fluids or surfaces contaminated by them
- when examining all oral lesions
Replace torn or punctured gloves immediately. Use new gloves for every patient. Wear gowns: - when blood or body fluids are likely to soil clothing
Change gowns daily or when visibly soiled with blood or body fluids. Wear masks, face/eye protection or chin-length plastic face shields: - to protect oral and nasal mucosa from the splatter of blood, saliva or gingival fluid
Wash hands: - between patients
- after completing procedure and before leaving work area
- with germicidal soap before and immediately after removing gloves
When should I decontaminate and sterilize instruments and equipment? - Use disposable materials. Dispose in plastic bags. Place needles and sharp instruments in puncture-resistant containers before disposal. Check with local municipality for disposal of contaminated waste.
- Routinely sterilize instruments used in all dental procedures. Store in sterile packs or pouches.
- Sterilize after each use other dental instruments that come in contact with oral tissues such as amalgam condensers, plastic instruments of handpieces and burs. High-level disinfect if this is not possible.
- Cover with impervious-backed paper, tin foil or clear plastic wrap equipment and surfaces that may become contaminated and are not easy to clean. Remove and replace for each patient.
- Thoroughly clean blood and saliva from supplies used in mouth (impression material, bite registration). Clean and disinfect.
How should I decontaminate of environmental surfaces? - Use absorbent paper towelling to remove blood or saliva.
- Clean surface and rinse. Wipe surface with a suitable chemical germicide or a 1:100-1:10 dilution of household bleach in water. Prepare solution fresh daily.
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/top_button.gif) |
Document last updated on June 12, 2000
Copyright ©1997-2006 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety
|
OSH Answers Search |
![](/web/20061206212214im_/http://ccohs.ca/images/blank.gif) |
|
|