Page 27 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

HANDWASHING
Hand washing is one of the most important actions taken to prevent transfer of microorganisms from one person to another. Washing for 15 seconds with plain soaps or detergents is effective in lifting and removing many contaminating microorganisms and normal flora microorganisms from the top layers of skin. Every dental team member should begin the day with two consecutive 15-second hand washes with soap and water followed by adequate rinsing. The thumbs, fingertips, and areas between and around the fingernails should receive particular attention.
During the typical workday, your hands should be washed before gloving and after gloves are removed. Also, wash before and after going to lunch, taking a break, using the restroom, or any other time they become contaminated. Dry your hands with disposable or single-use towels.
When washing times are too short or technique is poor, the opportunity for disease transmission may occur for the following reasons:
1. Fingertips, thumbs, and the areas between the fingers are washed poorly or may be skipped entirely.
2. The dominant hand is generally washed less thoroughly than the non-dominant hand.
3. Microbe counts under the fingernails may remain high.
Because soap containers and sink equipment will become contaminated, the hand washing product should be a liquid and kept in a foot-operated dispenser. Ideally, the sink should be equipped with foot- or elbow-operated faucets, or use a paper towel as a barrier when turning off the water with your hands.
For most routine nonsurgical activities, hand washing for 15 second with plain soaps is sufficient; because most of the transient or contaminating microorganisms on the skin will be washed off.
If you have problems with skin irritation because of the effects of soap or frequent hand washing, try another hand washing product. Finally, hand lotions are helpful to prevent hands from chapping caused by frequent hand washing.
GLOVES
(8) Medical exam gloves shall be worn whenever there is contact with mucous membranes, blood, OPIM, and during all pre-clinical, clinical, post-clinical, and laboratory procedures. When processing contaminated sharp instruments, needles, and devices, DHCP shall wear heavy-duty utility gloves to prevent puncture wounds. Gloves must be discarded when torn
Intro Page - 27
Introductory Chapter: Dental Practice Act, Infection Control and Cal-OSHA
The California RDAEF: A Compendium for Licensure Success © The Foundation for Allied Dental Education, Inc. 2016 Copyright protected. All rights reserved