Infection Control

From the disturbing infection control news out of Tulsa, Okla., to new products from International Dental Society meeting exhibitors, here’s the news you may have missed last week.

ANNAPOLIS, MD-March 29, 2013- The news that broke on March 28 of an Oklahoma oral surgeon that treated patients under unsanitary and unsafe conditions is as shocking to dental healthcare professionals as it is to the patients for whom we provide oral healthcare. While none of us outside of that practice and the officials investigating the reported violations can know all of the details, the Associated Press reports and other news agencies suggest that there is at least one suspected case of HCV transmission to a patient.

Get the top five ways to keep your hands healthy and learn all about our popular launch of DPR's newest free e-newsletter: Technique Geek.

Hu-Friedy this week announced the details of their free continuing education webinar program.

In light of recent news reports concerning a Tulsa, Okla.-based oral surgeon, the American Dental Association (ADA) has made a statement of recommended procedures and also noted that there may be heightened interest in infection control procedures.

Dr. Gregory Solich's take on the Sterisil System water purification system.

Sporicidin Microbial Testing Strips are said to be fast, easy, and accurate tools for detecting potential microorganisms on many common interior surfaces. The testing strips can be used as a screening tool for quickly testing the potential presence of microbial growth such as bacteria, mold, fungi, blood and body fluids, as well as many typical allergens. They also can be used for post verification of the cleaning process. Hager Worldwide 800-328-2335

The Sterilant Tray is described as a durable, high-volume germicide tray designed for maximum use of chemicals to clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments. It is designed for easy cleaning and is large enough to accommodate dental instruments, impression trays, cassettes, bur blocks, and bur guards. The tray holds 3.17 quarts of liquid and is safe to use with enzymes, detergents, disinfectants (phenols), and cold sterilants for glutaraldhyde and chlorines. Hager Worldwide

The Weltex Assurance Dual Indicator Sterilization Pouches are said to offer internal and external indicators for maximum sterilization assurance. They also have dual indicators for steam and ETO. The economical pouches are made from medical-grade paper and have triple-sealed seams. A perforated fold makes closing the pouches easy. JP Solutions 845-589-0215 www.jpsolutionsbrands.com

Pro One Sonic Tabs microbal bioenzymatic tablets are said to create a powerful ultrasonic cleansing solution. The tablets are made from a biodegradable, non-chlorine and anti-rust formula that contains fast-acting bioenzymatic enzymes. The solutions digests and removes blood, bone, tissue, food particles and other materials that may be resistant to chemical detergents. The tablets are non-corrosive with a neutral ph and also may be used as an instrument pre-soak or evacuation system cleaner. Cargus International Inc.

Designed for use on a broad range of surfaces, Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Spray and Wipes are ready-to-use non-bleach disinfectants. They are said to be ideal for powerful cleaning in the most sensitive patient areas. The spray and wipes have a 30-second to 1-minute kill time on most bacteria and viruses. They have a light scent are non-corrosive and provide one-step cleaning. The Bosworth Company 800-323-4352

For the past 15 years, Essential Dental Seminars has been recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of endodontics. Essential Dental Seminars is now expanding their CE Curriculum to include the latest research, studies, practice management techniques, and the tools dentists need to succeed.

Latex-free Bite Block Baggies are designed to cover and protect the bite block, positioning arm and x-ray media from contamination. The baggies are used by assembling the x-ray, bite block and positioner and then placing those parts into the baggie. After use, rebag for the next patient. They can be used with phosphor plate and x-ray film holders, are economically priced and are packaged 500 to a box. Flow Dental Corp. 800-356-9729 www.FlowDental.com

Preventing pathogen transmission among patients and dental health care personnel is the primary goal of infection prevention in the dental office. During the course of the work day, clinicians repeatedly perform hand hygiene, wear personal protective equipment, clean and disinfect surfaces (or apply surface barriers), sterilize instruments, maintain dental unit waterlines, and use single-use disposable items. These tasks often involve equipment and products that produce much waste, consume excess energy, and use toxic chemicals.

Winter 2013 is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons on record, and dentists and dental staff are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their patients from falling victim to the outbreak. By establishing and following proper infection-control guidelines and limiting your exposure to sick staff and patients, you stand a good chance of making it through the season unscathed.

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has elected Dr. Leslie E. Grant to lead its executive board of directors for the 2012-13 fiscal year. Grant has accepted the chair position for the infection prevention advocate.  

Durable, nonabrasive, low-alcohol CaviWipes1 surface disinfectant/cleaner wipes offer materials compatibility with a kill time of 1 minute for TB and all other labeled organisms.

Visitors to the DUX Dental website can find plenty of information on cross contamination and microorganism growth when talking about bib holders and clips used in dental practices. Today they’re adding a transcript from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, a research paper that further points out the difficulty with trying to properly disinfect bib holders and clips.

For more than a quarter century, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention has been raising awareness and advocating for infection prevention and patient and provider safety.

Fifteen new dental products debuted on www.dentalproductsreport.com for the week of July 16, 2012. The products categories represented by these newcomers range from digital radiography and technology to equipment and infection control.

The second installment to Dental Products Report's Paperless Video Series highlights the practical benefits associated with going paperless. While paperless workflows create large, big picture benefits for a dental practice, this portion of the series dials back to the simpler, more practical advantages.  

The CPS Evaluation Team, consisting of dentists, assistants, hygienists, patient coordinators and the dental laboratory, evaluated the iBarrier by Crosstex. CPS produced the following comments and reviews following its evaluation: Thoughts and comments

As the provider of the Industry’s only dental unit water line solution that uses NASA Technology, DentaPure has established itself as the “newest old company” in dentistry.

Cavex ImpreSafe     Crosstex Int'l   Team Vista The Dental Advisor's Top Choices

When first conducting this survey, the one data point DPR editors could never have anticipated was that nearly 80% would say infection control is something you are very concerned about.

The power of a dental restoration to change someone's life is undeniable. New teeth, be they crowns, implants or dentures can give patients confidence, bring back their ability to enjoy food and of course give them a reason to smile. It's in this spirit that a group of Michigan dentists, technicians and staff members (with additional support from Ivoclar Vivadent) put together the inaugural Heaven D.E.N.T.