Traditionally, infection control measures to protect both patients and staff have been an important part of dental practice. Evidence compiled by the Centers for Disease Control regarding the risk of diseases such as hepatitis B and AIDS as the result of occupational exposure indicates, however, that additional measures are needed to protect dental health care employees who are at risk. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates, more than 300,000 dental health care workers are at risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Covers: exposure control plan, who has occupational exposure, communicating hazards to employees, preventive measures (hepatitis B Vaccination; universal precautions), methods of control (engineering & work practice controls; personal protective equipment; housekeeping procedures; labeling), what to do if an exposure incident occurs, recordkeeping, HIV & HBV research laboratories & production facilities. Illustrated.

NEW! Content regarding COVID-19 examines its effects on infection control in the dental office, including a new appendix outlining CDC guidance for dental settings. NEW! Updated coverage of the sterilization of dental handpieces is based on the April 2018 CDC update. UPDATED! Case scenarios represent the most current infection control practices for today’s dental practice and help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world situations. UPDATED! Artwork throughout the text reflects the latest dental equipment and supplies.

This book reviews the principles of infection control and the guidelines and standards of care in multiple countries, discussing them within the context of the practice of dentistry. The aim is to enable dental practitioners to ensure that the appropriate measures are adopted for each patient contact, thereby minimizing the risk of transmission of infection – a goal that is becoming ever more important given the threats posed by new or re-emerging infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections. Readers will find information and guidance on all aspects of infection control within the dental office: hand and respiratory hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of sharps and safe injection practices, management of occupational exposures, maintenance of dental unit water quality, surface disinfection, and the cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments. Infection Control in the Dental Office will be an invaluable asset for all dental practitioners, including dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.