ANNAPOLIS, Maryland--The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures has released the fourth installment of a new series on compartmentalizing infection control policies and procedures.
"The Instrument Processing Room" deals with one of the most important patient safety aspects of the office infection control program: the area in which instruments are cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for the next patient.
"The Instrument Processing Room" identifies key steps in the proper handling and preparation of instruments and addresses common pitfalls in instrument processing. The multi-part article includes a glossary, practice tips, a section on infectious diseases around the world, and links to additional resources.
It provides information on issues of concern to employers and staff as well as techniques for protecting patients and the dental team. Upon successfully completing the included test, the participant can receive one continuing education credit.
The six themed issues of 2008's Infection Control in Practice cover a full day in a dental practice, from before the first patient walks through the door to getting ready to go home. The series began with "Before You Walk in the Door," then proceeded to "The Reception Area," and "The Operatory."
Future issues will include "Support Equipment" (radiology, dental lab, nitrous, etc.) and "Ending the Day" (records management, waste management, laundry, documentation of staff meeting notes, and planning for the next day).
Chris H. Miller, PhD is editor-in-chief for the series. Dr. Miller is professor emeritus of microbiology, executive associate dean emeritus, and associate dean emeritus for academic affairs and for graduate education at Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is past chair and a founding member of OSAP.
A subscription to ICIP (available electronically and in printed form) is one of many benefits of an OSAP membership. Individual issues of ICIP are also available for a fee.
For more information or to join OSAP, go to OSAP or call 800-298-OSAP (6727).
To read more about OSAP, go to OSAP.
To comment on this topic, go to PennWell Dental Community site.
