infection control
INFECTIOUS DISEASES COMMONLY IMPACTING DENTISTRY
by Raghu Puttaiah , BDS , MPH , FICD
In certain instances , such as respiratory pandemics like seasonal influenza , COVID-19 , AH1N1 influenza , and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ), dental professionals may need to use additional precautions , as well as following Standard Precautions . Additional precautions can be frequent handwashing , using a face-mask more often socially , using a respirator such as N95 masks , and Powered Air Purifying Respirators ( PAPRs ) more frequently in clinics where there is exposure to patients with possible airborne infectious conditions . These devices help control exposure to airborne viral particles or droplets . Additional control measures like coughing into a disposable paper napkin or shirt sleeve , letting staff and patients know in advance to not come to the clinic if they are having flu-like signs or symptoms , checking for higher than normal temperature , and asking screening questions can reduce exposure to potentially infectious disease patients during certain pandemics . Conditions such as active COVID-19 , including seasonal influenza and tuberculosis may warrant postponing elective dental care .
Treating potentially infectious patients who have answered positively for screening questions and who have higher temperature than normal during pandemics pose a risk . In March of 2020 , OSHA released guidance for small businesses on COVID- 19 to reduce risks for employees .
Apart from the conditions we are currently facing , such as COVID-19 , there are many other health conditions that commonly impact dental practices .
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