Top 10 Areas to Discuss with Staff Regarding Infection Control in the Practice

Description

When patients ask about the Tulsa infection control case or any other publicized violations, have the right answers. Mixed messages from team members increase doubt that your office is practicing high standards in infection control. The best way to make an excellent impression is for every team member to know and consistently practice the same tasks, in the same way. At your next team meeting, use the following questions as a guideline to clarify and clear up any areas that can cause confusion.

Top 10 areas to discuss with your team for consistency in infection control practices

1. Are single use items only being used once?
2. What is our office protocol for hand hygiene?
3. What is the proper use of gloves for each procedure and with each patient?
4. How do we inspect broken, rusted, or malfunctioning instruments or equipment, and what are the procedures for replacing them?
5. Do we regularly check the function of our ultrasonic cleaner and/or instrument washer? Are we using proper enzymatic cleaners in them?
6. Do we regularly check the function and effectiveness of our sterilizer, including routine spore testing and chemical indicators? How do we keep records of this information?
7. When an operatory is prepared for the next patient, are we using surface disinfectants properly to first clean, then disinfect?
8. What barriers and disposable covers are being used in patient care areas? Are they changed between each patient?
9. Is our office properly preparing dental unit waterlines for patient care to minimize the potential of cross-contamination?
10. Does our office have an infection control manual describing specific procedures for our practice? How is everyone trained and updated?

Editors’ Note:

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