Infection Control Breaches in a Dental Office

As consultants in dental OSHA and infection control compliance, we focus on promoting safe dental care and work environments. Preventing infection control breaches is essential in every dental office.

Documented Transmissions in Dental Settings

Between 2003 and 2015, documented transmissions of infectious agents, including patient-to-patient cases, occurred in dental settings. The CDC identified breakdowns in infection prevention practices, such as unsafe injection practices, failure to sterilize dental handpieces, and neglecting autoclave monitoring.

CDC Guidelines for Infection Prevention

The CDC released the Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings – Basic Expectations for Safe Care. This document outlines essential infection prevention practices.

The CDC highlights the need for comprehensive training to improve understanding of infection control principles, recommended practices, and the conditions needed to prevent disease transmission.

Pediatric Dental Office Outbreak

Recently, an infection control outbreak in a pediatric dental office caught national attention. Confirmed infections were linked to M. abscessus, caused by contaminated water used during pulpotomies.

In response, the CDC published Notes from the Field: Mycobacterium abscessus Infections Among Patients of a Pediatric Dentistry Practice – Georgia 2015.

Handwashing Compliance Issues

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released a study on April 11, 2016. The study revealed healthcare staff skipped handwashing 37% of the time in outpatient care. Despite having policies, many staff failed to follow hand hygiene recommendations.

The Importance of Training

Training is crucial for preventing Infection Control Breaches. Yet, team members often ask, “Why train again this year?” Training reinforces old knowledge, introduces new practices, and ensures policies are followed. Without proper adherence, even the best policies fail.

Schedule an Onsite Inspection

Schedule an onsite inspection and risk assessment to evaluate your practice’s infection control and OSHA compliance. Our consultants identify gaps and provide custom training programs tailored to your team’s needs. Let us help ensure your practice meets infection control standards.

Contact Modern Practice Solutions today to reserve your onsite services.