Page 61 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

The dental office must have a written Exposure Control Plan designed to identify tasks, procedures and job classifications where occupational exposure takes place.
The exposure control plan must include the following:
• Engineering and work practice controls used in the office setting such as handwashing protocols and available facilities, sharps management protocols, and eyewash station information
• Measures used to involve the use of standard (universal) precautions while treating patients and the personal protection devices available in the office
• Housekeeping schedule for cleaning; protocols and engineering controls to be used by employees when handling contaminated laundry, handling barriers, sharps containers, and oversight of regulated and non-regulated waste
• Information on the Hepatitis B vaccine and all vaccinations being offered by the employer
• Information regarding the reporting of exposure incidents such as needle stick incidents and medical follow-up
The procedures specified in the plan are intended as goals, as standards to which everyone will work. As staff develops new, better procedures, these should be incorporated into the plan. Periodic evaluation and modification of the exposure control procedures will be completed. The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard states the exposure control must updated at least annually. Monitoring of the procedures and changes will be documented.
Care Procedure In the Event of an Accidental Exposure Incident
In the event of an accidental exposure incident, the dental assistant should immediately stop what he/she is doing and report the incident to the office manager, doctor or safety officer. If the incident involves the hands, gloves must be removed, if worn, and treatment of the injury begins using the following protocols:
1. If the affected area is bleeding, squeeze it gently until a small amount of blood is released.
2. Wash hands thoroughly using antimicrobial soap and luke-warm water. Do not expose the injury to harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol.
3. After drying hands, apply a small amount of antiseptic such as Neosporin cream to the affected area and cover with bandage or gauze and tape.
4. Immediately ask for an Exposure Reporting package from the Safety Officer or doctor and complete the following documents:
Intro Page - 61
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