today ADHA Annual Session Nashville June 20

clinical news Hygiene Tribune U.S. Edition | June 20, 2015 3 By Eve Cuny Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry M ore than three decades have passed since the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a global pandemic. More than any other infection, it is possible to single out HIV as the pri- mary stimulus for changing infection control practices in dentistry. Prior to the mid-1980s, it was uncommon for dentists and allied professionals to wear gloves during routine dental proce- dures. Many dental clinics did not use heat sterilization, and disinfection of surfaces was limited to a cursory wipe with an alcohol-soaked gauze sponge. This was despite our knowledge that hepatitis B virus (HBV) had been spread Infection control in an era of emerging infectious diseases in clusters in the offices and clinics of infected dentists and that dentists were clearly at occupational risk for acquir- ing HBV. Plenty of reasons to remain vigilant Today, many take safe dental care for granted, but there is still reason to re- main vigilant in ensuring an infection- free environment for providers and pa- tients. HIV has fortunately proven to be eas- ily controlled in a clinical environment using the same precautions as those ef- fective for preventing the transmission of HBV and hepatitis C virus.1 These standard precautions include the use of personal protective attire, such as gloves, surgical masks, gowns and protective eyewear, in combina- tion with surface cleaning and disin- fection, instrument sterilization, hand hygiene, immunizations and other basic infection-control precautions. Sporadic reports of transmission of blood-borne diseases associated with dental care continue but are most of- Ad It’s critical to remain vigilant in ensuring an infection-free environment Health-care providers should practice hand hygiene at key points to disrupt transmission of microorganisms to patients, including: before patient contact; after contact with blood, body fluids or contaminated surfaces (even if gloves are worn); before invasive procedures; and after removing gloves. Photo/Amanda Mills, CDC” See DISEASES, page 4 Eve Cuny Hygiene Tribune U.S. Edition | June 20, 20153

today ADHA Annual Session Nashville June 20

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