Special Issue 2022 | Page 13

idea to keep in mind that dentistry does have the highest occupational exposure because of the continuous exposure to splash , spatter , and aerosols .
To continue keeping everyone safe , it is recommended that offices continue to implement some of the protocols offices practiced during Covid . Dental professionals should do a preliminary screening of patients to make sure they are feeling well when coming to their appointments . It is also advised to continue to take temperatures as part of the patient ’ s vital signs . If an employee feels sick , they need to stay home and not expose colleagues or patients to what may be contagious . For those employees who wish to have a higher level of protection , offices should keep N95 or equivalent masks on hand along with face shields , gowns , and scrub caps to wear during treatment . Utilizing pre-procedural mouth rinses and implementing additional suction devices can reduce the airborne aerosols that could transmit infectious particles . Annual OSHA training should include the additional protocol suggestions along with revised documentation requirements . Continuing these practices can help keep employees and patients safe and healthy in the extended Covid era .
While the additional Covid protocols are optional in the State of Texas , the Federal OSHA guidelines are still in place nationwide until June 28 th of this year . Regardless of any directives that have been mandated , dental professionals have shown that they take infection control procedures seriously to protect both the patients and staff members and they are to be commended for their continued efforts .
Kayce Hollingsworth , MS , EFDA , RDA is the owner of Dental OSHA Compliance Services , LLC and has been teaching Infection Control , OSHA and State Board Requirements for the past 18 years . She holds both a BS and MS degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications through Northeastern University . She previously lectured through Baylor College of Dentistry giving the State Board Dental Assistant Registration Course , the Nitrous Oxide Course , OSHA and other continuing education courses . She is also a Territory Manager and Sales Mentor at Shofu Dental Corporation and has over 25 years of clinical and practical experience as an Expanded Duties Dental Assistant . She is both an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant certified through the University of Florida Dental School and a Registered Dental Assistant in the state of Texas . For more information , send email to : kayce @ dentalosha . net or visit www . dentalosha . net . www . northtexasdentistry . com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 13