Be Careful of Infections

Infections from the patient >>>

1. Aerosolization and aerosols ( droplet molecules) play a major role in spreading the infections to the dentist.

Infection Transmission >>>

A. AIRBORNE : Influenza . Common cold , T.B

B. BLOOD BORNE : Syphilis , Hepatitis B & C , Aids. Needle stick injuries.

C. Direct contact of Dentist hand to the patients oral mucosa .

PRECAUTIONS >>>>

1.FACE MASK . Protects the patient from respiratory diseases like influenza & T.B

2. The use of high speed hand piece in case of T.B patients should be avoided.

3. In case of patients with syphilitic history dentist shouldn’t touch the patient oral mucosa without wearing rubber or vinyl gloves. Ant minor abrasions on the dentist’s hand should be covered thoroughly to prevent any entry of micro organisms.

4. Careful handling of sharp instruments , injections and syringes.
Double coating gloves or needle proof gloves to prevent needle stick injury.
Thorough sterilization of instruments .
Careful management of AIDS patients.

5. A detailed history of the patients must be taken to rule out any Infectious condition.

6. Using protective eye wear to protect unwanted contact of eyes with patent’s saliva , calculus, blood and saliva.

7. Universal precautions should be followed strictly.

MENTAL FATIGUE >>> Continuous working hours for long durations can cause mental and emotional problems . So a dentist must take regular holidays to be at the peak of his work.

Contact with Chemicals >>> like eugenol , amalgam , phenol , iodine can cause Dermatitis , allergies and mercury poisoning .

X RAY Exposure >>> X ray is an ionizing radiation that upon long course of exposure  c  can cause mutations at the genetic level resulting in the development of tumors.

Protection from radiation hazards >>>

Dentist Should wear protective Cover.
Dentist Shouldn’t hold the X ray in the patients mouth.
Regular checking of the level of radiation exposure.

In the end a dentist can be as safe as he is careful and aware of the clinical infections. Proper knowledge and precautions go a long way in bringing about a healthy change in both the patient’s as well the dentist’s life.