EXPOSURE CONTROL vs INFECTION CONTROL

There is sometimes confusion over Exposure Control versus Infection Control, as there is a lot of cross-over between the two. EXPOSURE CONTROL has to do with the policies and procedures that protect employees from exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Infection Control has more to do with keeping the patient safe from infection.

​OSAP, The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention, is one of the best sources of good information (along with the CDC) for infection control techniques in Dental practices. Our Compliance Advisers receive numerous questions regarding both Exposure Control and Infection Control on a daily basis, as they are in the field, visiting dental practices. Periodically, we’ll review several of the more notable. Here are a few that have been bubbling to the top of late:

Q -  Is it okay to use dish-washing detergent, rather than an enzymatic solution, in an ultrasonic cleaner?
A - To ensure maximum ultrasonic cleaning action and to avoid problems with the equipment, use a quality detergent specifically formulated for and recommended by the manufacturer of your machine. Using products not intended for ultrasonic machines may cause pitting or other harm to the unit. Always refer to the unit’s Instructions For Use.
 
Q -  What are the guidelines for sterilizing dental burs?
A -  Since used burs are a contaminated sharp, employees must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling them after patient care. Like other contaminated disposable sharps, used burs should be discarded into sharps containers. Because dental burs are difficult to clean and are degraded by the sterilization process, dental offices should consider making burs a single use disposable item.
 
Q -  Is there a way to disinfect anesthetic cartridges before touching them with sterile gloves?
A - Remember that the product inside the cartridge is already sterile. Anesthetic cartridges should not be sterilized because exposure to high temperatures can affect the cartridge contents. Application of chemical germicides likewise is not recommended because of the potential for the germicide to leak into the cartridge. Store anesthetic cartridges in a manner that prevents cross-contamination and eliminates the need for disinfection. Contaminated cartridges should be discarded.
 
When it comes to OSHA compliance, HIPAA compliance, and infection control issues in a dental practice, Smart Training is the one stop that over 14,000 Dental professionals rely on. If you have any doubts as to where your office stands, compliance-wise, give us a call and speak with one of our Compliance Advisers. They’re trained professionals with years of experience in the field. 

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