Infection Control in Dentistry: Understanding the Use of Surface Barriers

Infection control is at the heart of safe, effective dental care. While cleaning and disinfecting clinical contact surfaces are essential to prevent disease transmission, many items in the dental operatory are difficult to clean and disinfect thoroughly between patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recommends, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and many state boards require, surface barriers to be used on clinical contact surfaces and equipment that may be difficult to clean.

Surface barriers are a simple, effective, and required component of dental infection control. When used correctly, they save time, protect equipment, and—most importantly—help ensure the safety of every patient and every member of the dental team.

Barriers reduce – but do not eliminate – the need for surface disinfection. Routine cleaning and disinfection of all clinical contact surfaces not protected by an impervious barrier are required to maintain a safe clinical environment.

Use of Surface Barriers

Using a barrier prevents hard-to-clean items from becoming contaminated and helps protect both patients and dental healthcare personnel (DHCP). Barriers are necessary when a surface or piece of equipment is:

• Difficult to clean (e.g. dental chair switches, light handles, X-ray control panels, computer keyboards).
• Likely to be touched during patient care.
• Susceptible to contamination with blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious material.

After treatment of a patient, while still gloved, dental staff should remove all of the barriers and discard them. The uncovered surfaces should be inspected for contamination, which should be cleaned and disinfected only if contamination is evident. Once the gloves are removed and hand hygiene performed, dental staff should place clean barriers on the surfaces for the next patient.

Types of Surface Barriers

Barriers must:

• Be single-use and disposable.
• Completely cover the surface they are protecting.
• Be impermeable to moisture and contaminants.
• Fit securely and remain intact throughout the procedure.
• Be replaced between every patient, even if they appear clean.

Common barrier examples include plastic wrap, foil, bags, or other moisture-impervious materials. The goal is to prevent the underlying surface from direct exposure to blood, saliva, or spray.

OSHA Review, Inc. a registered continuing education provider in the State of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and Cal/OSHA training. OSHA Review subscribers in California receive updated regulatory compliance and infection control training thorough our bi-monthly newsletter.