The use of PPE per CDC guidance is for a primary objective, which is to protect dental care professionals at René A. Talbot, DDS and patients from infection. The CDC guidelines cover selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE to ensure safe practices when donning, using and removing PPE per CDC guidelines. This goal also improves patients’ safety. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, PPE is “specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against infectious materials.”
According to the CDC, donning of PPE should happen before meeting with the patient. The PPE is designed to protect both the dental professional and patient by restricting direct contact and contamination of inert surfaces around the dental office. The PPE is taken off and disposed of carefully. Respirators are removed outside the treatment room. Dentists will perform proper hand hygiene after removing PPE per CDC guidance.
Dental professionals wear gowns first before wearing masks or respirators. Then, they will wear protective eyewear or face shields, followed by gloves. The combination of PPE used has implications on the order of placement. It is vital to follow the protocol for PPE per CDC guidance.
There are two main physical sides of PPE – contaminated and clean. Contaminated sides are generally on the outside. This part of the PPE has or has possibly been in contact with materials, body sites or environmental surfaces that may have been inhabited by infectious organisms. Clean areas are typically inside, ties around the head or neck and back of the overalls.
The order of removing PPE per CDC guidance is gloves first, then protective eyewear and face shields. Gowns come off next, and finally, respirators or masks. PPE removal should occur close to the doorway of the treatment space, not outside. The only exclusion is respirators, which can be taken off outside of the treatment room, upon closing the door. Hand hygiene facilities should be ready immediately, which should include a sink with hand hygiene products or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
PPE usage is an essential aspect of standard infection control precautions. Standard precautions assume that saliva, bodily fluids and blood from any patient is infectious. The use of PPE per CDC guidance and other infection control protocols is important to prevent transmission in dental and medical settings. The nature of the interaction between patients and dental professionals determine the use of PPE. Ideally, any procedure that is likely to generate spatter, aerosols, fluids, secretions or excretions require the use of PPE per CDC guidance, including gloves, gowns, masks, protective eyewear or face shields.
Outer protective clothing protects against contamination, especially when there is a risk of skin or cloth contamination. The same situations that require masks, gloves, and protective eyewear also need protective clothing. Examples include smocks, lab coats, aprons, gowns and clinical jackets.
PPE clothing should be resistant to fluids but not necessarily fluid-proof. Protection and comfort are both important parts of PPE per CDC guidance. The aim is to cover most of the regular work clothes. The two basic types of protective clothing are disposable and reusable, which must be changed if visibly contaminated at the end of the day.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yourhuntsvilledentist.com or call René A. Talbot, DDS at (256) 382-6690 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Whether you are about to book an appointment for tooth implants or you have just undergone the procedure, you probably want to learn proper aftercare to ensure healing and recovery. One of the questions that patients often ask is what and what not to eat after surgery. Although placing implants ensures that you have dental…
An implant dentist uses artificial tooth roots to anchor a restoration for a lost tooth or teeth. By replacing the lost tooth roots, dental implants provide you the strength and stability needed to chew food and perform other oral functions. Also, they help to stimulate and preserve jawbone structure, stopping bone loss, and maintaining facial…
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. This procedure can effectively brighten your smile by addressing discoloration and stains. By understanding how teeth whitening targets stains, you can see how the process can restore your teeth to a cleaner and more youthful appearance.Tooth discoloration can occur for several reasons, and identifying the source is…
Invisalign® provides a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces, but treatment success depends on the provider's expertise. Choosing the best Invisalign dentist ensures precise treatment planning, optimal results, and a smooth experience. This starts with researching qualifications, experience, and patient reviews to help identify a dentist who can deliver the care suited to your…
Whether you are about to book an appointment for tooth implants or you have just undergone the procedure, you probably want to learn proper aftercare to ensure healing and recovery. One of the questions that patients often ask is what and what not to eat after surgery. Although placing implants ensures that you have dental…
An implant dentist uses artificial tooth roots to anchor a restoration for a lost tooth or teeth. By replacing the lost tooth roots, dental implants provide you the strength and stability needed to chew food and perform other oral functions. Also, they help to stimulate and preserve jawbone structure, stopping bone loss, and maintaining facial…