#13 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.

Your practice setting should have a written personnel health service program for dental workers that addresses:

• Education and training; before employment begins, annually and as changes in job descriptions occur.
  
  
• Immunization programs; all required and recommended vaccinations/immunizations for staff by job description.
  
  
• Exposure prevention and postexposure management program; a referral arrangement with a qualified medical professional must be in place so that a medical evaluation and treatment can be delivered quickly and appropriately.
  
  
• Medical conditions, work-related illness, and work restrictions; written work restriction and exclusion polices must be understood by all employees.
  
  
• Latex hypersensitivity and other work associated skin reactions; it is recommended to have alternatives to latex containing products available for employees and for patients.
  
  

Maintenance of records, and confidentiality. A confidential, up-to-date medical record for all workers, including ONLY documentation of immunization and of any tests received as a result of an occupational exposure.

Best regards,

Charles N. Bertolami, DDS, DMedSc

Dean