Even dentists and their assistants can be exposed to potentially infectious agents, while performing procedures in the dental office. In 2011 new infection control regulations were issued for all California Dental practices. Since the California Dental Board does not inform dentists of regulatory changes, its best to keep abreast of the laws by checking the Dental Board website and posting updated compliance posters.
Some changes now include the mandatory use of utility gloves when working with hazardous chemicals and processing containment instruments. Household dishwashing gloves are not sufficient for use in a dental office. Utility gloves reduce the chances of coming into contact with blood body fluids or chemicals.
Chemical pouches, packages or wraps should be labeled with date of sterilization and the sterilizer used. Dating packages helps identify when instruments were sterilized in case of sterilization failure. Instruments, items, and devices that are processed by high-level disinfection must be packaged or wrapped and dated when the disinfection process is complete. Hand washing with soap and water should be performed at the beginning of each workday and face shields and protective eyewear should be cleaned, disinfected or thrown away after each patient treatment.
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