American Dental Association Statement on Infection Control in Dental Settings

CHICAGO, March 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In light of recent news reports concerning a Tulsa, Okla.-based oral surgeon, the American Dental Association (ADA) understands that there may be heightened interest in infection control procedures. Regulations for dental office inspections are determined on a state by state basis by the state dental board.

The ADA has long recommended that all practicing dentists, dental team members and dental laboratories use standard precautions as described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings guidelines. Studies show that following proper infection control procedures greatly reduces risk to patients to the point of an extremely remote possibility.

Infection control procedures are designed to protect patients and health care workers by preventing the spread of diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Examples of infection control in the dental office include the use of masks, gloves, surface disinfectants and sterilizing reusable dental devices. In addition, dental health care providers are expected to follow procedures as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Before you enter the examining room, all surfaces, such as the dental chair, dental light, instrument tray, drawer handles and countertops, have been cleaned and decontaminated. Some offices may cover this equipment with protective covers, which are replaced after each patient.

Non-disposable items like the dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers for monitored, proper disposal. Infection control precautions also require all dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, masks, gowns and eyewear. After each patient, disposable wear like the gloves and masks are discarded. Before seeing the next patient, the members of the treatment team scrub their hands and put on a new pair of gloves.

Patients who have questions about infection control in the dental setting should talk with their dentists, who will be glad to explain or demonstrate their procedures.  More information on infection control in dental offices is available online at www.ADA.org

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 156,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at www.ada.org

SOURCE American Dental Association