The 2011 OSAP Infection Control Symposium best tips
By Leslie Canham, CDA, RDA
Dental infection control has been big news during the last year. There were infection control breaches at two separate Veteran's Administration dental clinics, and an outbreak of hepatitis B at a Mission of Mercy dental clinic in West Virginia. As a result, letters were sent to thousands of their patients and clinic volunteers urging them to get tested for hepatitis and HIV. Because of the media attention, patients may ask us infection control-related questions. In order to respond appropriately, we must be knowledgeable about the current trends in infection control.
To stay abreast of the latest changes in science, technology, and new emerging infectious diseases, it is important to attend courses on infection control and office safety. I recently attended the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) Annual Infection Prevention and Safety Symposium. This article will explain the best tips I took away from the symposium.
When I attend a dental meeting where dental exhibitors are present, I take advantage of the opportunity to learn about their infection control and safety products. Throughout the symposium, dental exhibitors provided information and education about products, equipment, and devices related to infection control. Spending just a few minutes with the exhibitors can truly enhance one’s understanding of the various products, equipment, and devices we may already be using or might consider using. I encourage you to spend a few minutes with the dental exhibitors at your next dental meeting to learn more about infection control.
The many sessions and breakouts at the OSAP symposium provided opportunities to fine-tune infection control knowledge and skills. Instrument processing updates and reminders were provided, including the recommendation to assess proper functioning of automated cleaning equipment (e.g., ultrasonic cleaners, instrument washers, thermal disinfectors) upon initial installation, weekly during routine use, and after major repairs. It is also important to visually inspect instruments after they have been cleaned to make sure that all debris has been removed prior to sterilization.
In the session “Greening the Dental Office,” the key points were to recognize ways to reduce waste to lessen the environmental impact yet still uphold patient protection and safety. There are big steps we can take to green our practices, including switching from traditional X-rays with photochemical waste to digital images, changing to steam sterilizers instead of chemical vapor, converting to chartless practices, and installing oil-less/waterless vacuum systems. A smaller step includes using heat-resistant air-water syringe tips vs. disposable. There were those who voiced concern that some earth friendly products might jeopardize patient safety. One such product is a “reusable” sterilization pouch that cannot be sealed and has a limited number of times it can be sterilized.
In the session devoted to patient safety, we learned that medical errors occur due to lack of training, lack of clear protocols, or lack of knowledge. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) produced a landmark report titled "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System." It concluded that between 44,000 and 98,000 people die each year as a result of preventable medical errors. The report has resulted in increased awareness of U.S. medical errors and an interest in patient safety. Strategies must be in place to prevent medical errors in dental offices. This includes proper charting procedures and systems for double-checking patient charts before providing treatment or dispensing medication. It is extremely important for dental assistants to be familiar with each patient’s chart and medical history, and to speak up promptly if a procedure, tooth number, or medication are incorrect.
In the session devoted to understanding the psychology of infection control, we learned that there are a few barriers that can prevent a practice from performing effective infection control. These include no time to perform infection control, no place to keep infection control products, lack of supplies, lack of understanding, and burnout. To improve infection control, the dentist or infection control coordinator can set up a program to motivate the team to improve compliance. This program could include rewards and positive reinforcement for improving outcomes. Even one minute of motivation and reminders about infection control at the morning meeting can improve overall compliance.
In the session devoted to laser safety, there was discussion about the various types of dental lasers, protective eyewear, and operator and patient safety concerns. In one of my upcoming articles I will address common misconceptions about laser safety.
By attending courses on infection control and office safety, you can increase your knowledge, better protect your patients and yourself, and network with others who share your interest in safe dental care.
Author bio
Leslie Canham is a dental speaker and consultant specializing in infection control and OSHA compliance. She has more than 36 years of experience in dentistry. Canham is the founder of Leslie Canham Seminars, providing in-office training, mock inspections, consulting, and online seminars and webinars to help the dental team navigate state and federal regulations. Reach Canham at (888) 853-7543 or Leslie Canham.
