Recently, a Tulsa, Okla. area dentist was cited with putting patients
at risk of infection with hepatitis by failing to follow proper
infection control practices. The Oklahoma Dental Association is closely
monitoring the situation.
“Infection control procedures are there for one reason, to
protect the patients,” says Dr. C. Todd Bridges, president of the
Oklahoma Dental Association. “This alleged breach may have placed
patients at risk, and it is clearly an aberration that in no way
reflects the way dentists typically operate. The reason this situation
is so alarming is because it is so rare.”
The Oklahoma Dental Association recommends that all practicing
dentists, dental team members and laboratories follow standard
precautions specified by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). Examples of infection control in the dental office
include the use of masks, gloves, surface disinfectants and sterilizing
reusable dental devices.
“We recommend that people talk with their dentists about
infection control,” says Bridges. “Dentists are universally proud of the
cleanliness of their offices and will not be offended when patients ask
questions about infection control protocols.”
The CDC's guidelines for infection control
Source: Oklahoma Dental Association
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