![]() 9 As OSHA standards and CDC guidance remain the same for instrument processing, bear in mind these are the minimal requirements for safe practice. ![]() The CDC has not issued any new guidance regarding the instrument processing cycle. ![]() 9 Major highlights or procedural changes/recommendations for dentistry include social distancing, universal source control, prescreening protocols, personal protective equipment, aerosol reduction, and environmental controls. Interim guidance from the CDC was published in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020 to supplement the 2003 guidelines, and has been updated multiple times since. However, CDC recommendations can be enforced when they are related or connected to an OSHA regulatory standard, such as the BBP Standard. 8 The CDC is an advisory body that provides evidence-based recommendations, but cannot impose fines or enforce its own guidelines (unless specific state boards adopt CDC guidelines, which then become state law). 1 An updated summary with checklists was released in March 2016. The 2003 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings are the most comprehensive guidance for the safe provision of dental treatment. 5,6 In 2020, the two most commonly violated OSHA standards in dentistry were the BBP and Respiratory Protection standards, which accounted for 68% of all cited standards. 3,4 Considered a federal regulatory body, OSHA can investigate and impose fines for lack of compliance with standards. The Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Standard CFR 1910.1030 (exposure to BBP, such as hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus), Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) Standard CFR 1910.1200 (safety with chemicals), and the Respiratory Protection Standard CFR 1910.134 are the most commonly used and cited OSHA standards in dentistry. Employers are legally required to comply with these standards. Department of Labor, OSHA has been protecting workers since 1971 with the use of mandatory regulations. 1,2 This paper focuses on sterilization processes, including the effective use of CIs and BIs.Īs a division of the U.S. ![]() Proper sterilization monitoring includes using a combination of mechanical monitoring, chemical indicators (CI) and biological indicators (BI). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends verifying dental instrument sterility, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formally requires it. In today’s practice setting, safe dental visits encompass new COVID-19 protocols, as well as existing infection prevention measures - including verification of sterile instruments. While oral health professionals acquire baseline knowledge and meet clinical competencies related to infection prevention during their formal education, continuing education is critical to providing safe care. Explain best practices for use of chemical and biological indicators.Describe the instrument processing cycle, as well as the types of sterilizers and monitoring processes used.Identify the regulatory and guidance agencies for infection control in dentistry.This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.Īfter reading this course, the participant should be able to: The author has no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This course was published in the September 2021 issue and expires September 2024.
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