The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. The CDC also recommends the following as part of your everyday preventative actions: • Frequent hand…
In California, the Dental Board of California (DBC) Infection Control Regulation states that “sterile coolants/irrigants shall be used for surgical procedures involving soft tissue or bone. Sterile coolants/irrigants must be delivered using a sterile delivery system.” According to the Center…
CDC Issues Official Health Advisory Concerning Need to Improve Procedures for Processing Reusable Medical Devices for Reuse On September 11, 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Official Health Advisory to healthcare facilities on the…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable online resources and information on proper hand hygiene in healthcare settings. Educational materials include interactive training for employees, an overview of hand hygiene, CDC guidelines, materials for patients, etc. Additionally,…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that heat-sensitive, reusable, patient–care items used during dental treatment be cleaned and undergo sterilization (critical items) or high-level disinfection (semi-critical instruments) between patients using a chemical sterilant/high-level disinfectant approved by…
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory, warning the public to expect a severe flu season this year. The most common flu variants circulating to date this year are the influenza A H3N2…
With the deadly Ebola virus claiming its first victim on American soil this past week, healthcare providers, including dental professionals, need to be aware of how to screen and manage patients for the disease. Although the U.S. Centers for Disease…
While not prohibited, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that dental personnel with direct contact with patients refrain from wearing artificial nails, keeping natural nail tips to no longer than ¼ inch in length. Artificial nails have…
The shelf life of sterilized packaged instruments can be either date-related or event-related; both are acceptable. Date-related shelf life refers to a first-in first-out policy, meaning that the items that are sterilized first are used first, so long as the…
Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), the hepatitis B virus (HBV) three-shot vaccination series must be made available at no cost to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, within ten working days…
