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.
If you have ever wondered if you are too old or if your child is too young for cosmetic dentistry, you are not alone. This branch of dentistry can enhance a patient's smile, but some services are better suited to certain age groups. Let us look at how the different stages of life influence the…
Invisalign Go™ offers a streamlined approach to teeth straightening, specifically designed for minor adjustments and cosmetic improvements. Both Invisalign Go and traditional Invisalign® use clear aligners to achieve teeth alignment, but they differ in terms of the treatment scope, complexity, and duration. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help patients make informed…
When a sudden toothache or injury occurs, an emergency dentist provides the necessary intervention to save a smile before you experience permanent damage or worsening pain. Dental emergencies often arise without warning. They require an experienced dental professional who can manage immediate trauma with precision and expertise to restore your comfort and long-term dental health.Dental…
Jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing can severely impact daily life. Fortunately, a TMJ dentist offers specialized care to diagnose and treat disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), providing relief and restoring comfort. These dental professionals specialize in identifying the underlying causes of TMJ disorders and developing treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.The temporomandibular…
If you have ever wondered if you are too old or if your child is too young for cosmetic dentistry, you are not alone. This branch of dentistry can enhance a patient's smile, but some services are better suited to certain age groups. Let us look at how the different stages of life influence the…
Invisalign Go™ offers a streamlined approach to teeth straightening, specifically designed for minor adjustments and cosmetic improvements. Both Invisalign Go and traditional Invisalign® use clear aligners to achieve teeth alignment, but they differ in terms of the treatment scope, complexity, and duration. Understanding the key differences between these two options can help patients make informed…