Cindy AmadorResearch PaperDA 50, Mon/Wed. 9:304/21/14Infection Control in the Dental PracticeInfection control, a term describing procedures taken to reduce the spread of infection. The dental office is a place where many people are treated, including patients suffering from infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and many other highly contagious diseases. It is essential that in any dental practice the prevention of the spread of microorganisms from patient to patient, from patient to staff or from staff to patient is carried out with the utmost precaution. Infection control has two main objectives; to protect patients from harmful pathogens and members of the dental team. Infections can cause or add to pain, deteriorate a person's health and, in the worst case, even cause death. To understand infection control in a dental facility, you need to understand the standard precautions required by organizations that regulate or recommend infection control, the types of preventative measures taken, and when those measures should be taken. All dentists, dentists and laboratories follow standard precautions and recommendations specified by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Standard precautions, formerly known as universal standard precautions, focus on the perception that all blood and body fluids, whether or not they contain blood, such as saliva, may be contaminated and should be considered infectious. (Bebermeyer). Infection control methods practiced in dental practices were established by the CDC in 2003 with the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings (Kohn). These guidelines include the use of protective barriers, personal shields in the center of paper and hoses, control buttons, switches, handpieces and x-ray units (Collins). After each patient visit, the operating room must be sterilized and disinfected. Any areas that were not covered by a barrier, or if the barrier was compromised, should be cleaned with surface disinfectants similar to those used in hospitals. OSHA requires disinfectants to be strong enough to fight HIV and HBV infections (Collins). If there is blood on a surface, you should use a tuberculocidal type disinfectant. Infection control in dentistry is critical to the well-being of employees and patients. You must take many precautions to avoid serious illness or injury. There are many steps and guidelines to follow in preventing infections, but as dental office employees we must take the time to ensure no harm is done to clients or ourselves..