#8 in a series

Practicing proper infection control procedures is the responsibility of every student, staff and faculty member with clinical responsibilities. With the fast-paced nature of the clinical environment, it is sometimes easy to overlook basic infection control policies. To help raise awareness about these issues, we've created this series of infection control reminders and pointers. For questions about infection control policies or more information, contact the School of Dentistry's Director of Health and Safety, Dr. Molly Newlon at: newlonm@dentistry.ucsf.edu.

• Waterlines:
  • Biofilm forms in all water environments
  • Biofilm attaches to dental tubing
  • Biofilm includes bacteria, fungi protozoa in slime layer
  • Biofilm may cause infection in immunocompromised patients
    
    

• It is not recommended to have patients close their lips tightly on the tip of the saliva ejectors, as previously suctioned fluids might be retracted into the patient's mouth when a seal is created.
  
  
  
  
• Impressions made for dental prostheses should be rinsed of all saliva and blood then disinfected with an intermediate-level disinfectant before they are sent to the laboratory. When the prostheses is received from the laboratory, it too should be disinfected and rinsed prior to inserting into the patient's mouth.
  

Best regards,

Charles N. Bertolami, DDS, DMedSc

Dean