Dental Hygienist Seminar 2019

Abstract

Ensuring a safe clinical environment by taking measures to provide clean water and air during dental procedures is consistent with well-established infection control principles. Device manufacturers must meet their obligation to design and market safe, effective, and economical products. Prudent dentists, mindful of their obligation to protect the health and safety of their patients and staff will take measures improve the quality of water and air in clinical practice.

Objectives

• Define bacterial biofilm, how it colonize in dental units and other dental devices that use water for cooling and irrigating dental operative sites.
• Explain the potential routes of exposure to contaminated water, aerosols, and other airborne hazards in the dental environment.
• Describe the potential health consequences of acute and chronic exposure to microbial contaminated dental water, aerosols, and other airborne hazards in the dental environment.
• Apply basic infection control principles to the problem of biofilm colonization in dental equipment and devices.
• Implement effective engineering and work practice controls in the dental setting to prevent exposure to waterborne and airborne hazards.
• Make evidence-based choices in the selection of dental equipment and products designed to remediate waterborne and airborne hazards to reduce exposure risks to patients and dental healthcare professionals.