Massachusetts dental public health program directors practice behaviors and perceptions of infection control.

PURPOSE: The objective of this exploratory study was to deter mine the current infection control practices used in Massachusetts dental public health programs and assess the perceived compliance and challenges with infection control standards as outlined in the 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infection control guidelines. METHODS: A convenience sample of program directors of dental public health programs in Massachusetts (n=82) were invited to participate. The directors were identified through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, local dental/dental hygiene schools and key stakeholders in dental public health. The electronic questionnaire-based survey consisted of 26 open/closed-ended and Likert scale questions. Statistical analysis included frequency distribution and factor analysis. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 43%. The majority of responders to the survey were from public health settings using fixed/mobile dental equipment (82.9%), compared to settings using portable equipment (17.1%). Perceived lapses in the guidelines were attributed to lack of finances (r=0.938), lack of personnel (r=0.874) and lack of space (r=0.763). The only significant correlation between the program directors perceived adherence to the CDC guidelines was having access to necessary supplies and equipment (r=0.914). Program directors indicated that the CDC guidelines are hard to apply (r=0.895) and guide lines specific to settings using portable equipment would be helpful (r=0.925). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the sample size and response rate, directors from public health settings using both fixed/mobile and portable equipment reported being able to apply the current 2003 CDC infection control guidelines with few compliance challenges. However, respondents indicated that the guidelines were hard to apply and that infection control guidelines for settings using portable equipment would be useful.

Staying in compliance with the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Safety and health programs must be annually reviewed and followed. This article provides a systematic review of each component of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and suggestions on how to incorporate the information into staff training and routine practice.

Guidelines for infection control in dental health care settings--2003.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, is the lead federal agency for disease prevention in the United States. It has been 10 years since CDC infection control guidelines for dental health care settings were last published. During those 10 years, new technologies and issues have emerged, and other CDC infection control guidelines for health care settings have been updated. RESULTS: In light of these developments, CDC collaborated with experts in infection control to revise its infection control recommendations for dental health care settings. Existing guidelines and published research pertinent to dental infection control principles and practices were reviewed. This article provides background information, describes the process used to create these guidelines, and lists the new recommendations. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: CDC believes that dental offices that follow these new recommendations will strengthen an already admirable record of safe dental practice. Patients and providers alike can be assured that oral health care can be delivered and received in a safe manner.

Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings--2003.

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for infection control in dental settings. Recommendations are provided regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; 7) environmental infection control; 8) dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and 9) special considerations (e.g., dental handpieces and other devices, radiology, parenteral medications, oral surgical procedures, and dental laboratories). These recommendations were developed in collaboration with and after review by authorities on infection control from CDC and other public agencies, academia, and private and professional organizations.

Infection control.

Information resources from a variety of governmental agencies and professional organizations are available to facilitate development of site-specific infection control programs. Using a strategic approach to organize and apply the information can result in a comprehensive and effective infection control program.