Lecture Notes on Suctioning Procedure in Dentistry

Introduction

• Importance of proper disinfection of dental units according to OSHA standards.
• Overview of steps to prepare for suctioning practice on a co-student.

Disinfection Process

• Perform two-wipe disinfection method on dental unit.
• Review the opening wipe and barrier video if unsure about the disinfection method.
• Areas to disinfect:
  • Patient chair
  • Light handle (assistant side only)
  • Light switch
  • HVE (High Volume Evacuator)
  • LVE (Low Volume Evacuator)
  • Air water syringe
  • Patient chair control touchpad (assistant side only)
• Areas NOT to disinfect:
  • Utility cart and attachments

Preparation Steps

1. Hand Hygiene:
   • Clean hands (no gloves needed).
2. Barrier Placement:
   • Place disposable barriers on required equipment.
3. Hand Cleaning:
   • Wash hands or use alcohol rub.
4. Glove Application:
   • Don gloves.
5. Equip Syringes:
   • Insert air water tips into syringes and suction tips onto hose connectors.
   • Ensure HVE tip is placed correctly: bevel facing up, slot up into the patient's mouth.

Patient Preparation

• Provide protective eyewear and bib to the patient.
• Position patient supine.
• Arrange dental assistant chair for optimal positioning during suctioning.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Protocol

1. Use alcohol rub again.
2. Don gown first, then safety glasses, followed by the mask.
3. Use alcohol rub once more.
4. Don new gloves.

Suctioning Technique

• Holding Devices:
  • HVE in right hand (pen grasp or thumb-to-nose grasp).
  • Air water syringe in left hand.
• Initial Setup:
  • Turn HVE on with right index finger.
  • Flush water from syringe into HVE for 20 seconds.
• Using the LVE:
  • Activate air-water spray while rinsing the patient's mouth.
  • Move LVE tip carefully, avoiding the center of the tongue to prevent discomfort and gagging.

Effective Suctioning Strategies

• HVE Use:
  • Position HVE tip parallel to the tooth surfaces being rinsed.
  • Maintain bevel parallel to facial or lingual surfaces depending on the side being suctioned.
• Rinsing Technique:
  • Collect pooled water, avoiding contact with the center of the tongue.
  • Use the air water syringe to retract cheeks for better visibility.
  • Avoid resting suction tip on gum tissue or lips.

Dentist Cooperation

• Position HVE tip correctly during the dentist's work:
  • From lingual aspect, parallel to facial surface, extend beyond incisal edge.
  • From facial aspect, parallel to lingual surface, extend beyond incisal edge.
• Frequent rinsing during procedures to remove debris efficiently.

Conclusion

• Suctioning is a skill requiring practice.
• Initial difficulties are common, but proficiency will improve over time.