Dental Radiography - Chapter 16: Infection Prevention

Introduction

• Focus on infection prevention for dental radiographers.
• Key objectives:
  • Define infection control terms.
  • Describe rationale and routes of disease transmission.
  • Infection prevention procedures for x-ray exposure and digital imaging.
  • Discuss PPE, hand hygiene, sterilization, and disinfection.

Infection Control Basics

• Importance of infection control heightened by COVID-19.
• Infectious diseases in dental settings: viral (COVID, flu) and bacterial (TB).
• Dental professionals are at increased risk.
• Infection control protocols are crucial.

Routes of Disease Transmission

• Patient to dental professional: sneezing, needle sticks.
• Dental professional to patient: improper PPE use.
• Patient to patient: waiting rooms, unsterilized instruments.

Conditions for Disease Transmission

• Pathogens: microorganisms causing disease.
• Transmission Routes:
  • Direct contact: saliva, blood.
  • Indirect contact: contaminated objects.
  • Airborne: sneezes, coughs.

Key Terminology

• Antiseptic: Inhibits bacteria growth.
• Asepsis: Absence of pathogens.
• Bloodborne Pathogens: Found in blood, e.g., HIV.
• Disinfect: Inhibits/destroys pathogens (not all).
• PPE: Gowns, gloves, masks, eyewear.
• Sterilize: Destroys all pathogens.

Infection Control Practices

• Vaccination: Hepatitis B, flu.
• PPE use: During all procedures.
• Hand hygiene: Before/after patient contact.
• Sterilization/Disinfection: Instruments and surfaces.

Sterilization and Disinfection

• Instrument Categories
  • Critical: Penetrates tissue, must be sterilized.
  • Semi-Critical: Contacts tissue, requires high-level disinfection.
  • Non-Critical: No tissue contact, disinfect surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Includes gowns, masks, gloves, eyewear.
• Change PPE daily or when soiled.
• Proper hand hygiene before/after using gloves.

Infection Control During Dental Imaging

• Standard precautions for all patients.
• Surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected before and after exposure.
• Use disposable barriers for equipment.
• Ensure all supplies are prepared before exposure.

Handling Digital Sensors

• Protected with disposable barriers.
• Must be disinfected post-use without submersion.

Conclusion

• Infection control critical for safety.
• Follow all protocols meticulously to prevent disease transmission.
• Continuous education and adherence to updated guidelines are essential.