The Important Role of Hand Washing in a Dental Office
In the wake of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, dubbed "super bugs" by the media, it has become far more important to maintain the sanitation practices in our healthcare facilities. Dentist's offices are no less important. Your family dentist has direct access to the health of you and your children. It is their responsibility and duty to maintain a clean, safe environment in which to provide care. Dentists must routinely place their hands in your and other patient's mouths; dentists can thwart transmission of pathogens from one patient to another through proper hand washing.-
Who Should Wash?
-
The short answer is: Everyone. Dentists, in particular, should wash their hands between patients, before and after eating and after using the restroom. Wearing gloves is not an acceptable substitute for proper hand washing. Hygienists and assistants should also wash their hands after any contact with patients. This includes handing documents back and forth, assisting the dentist and, especially, the transfer of money. Patients can facilitate cleanliness and sanitation by washing their hands before seeing the dentist.
Substitutes
-
It may not be practical to thoroughly and correctly wash hands at all times. If your hands are not visibly soiled and you have not come in contact with any bodily fluids, you may use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gel. The product should be applied to the palm of one hand and then rubbed vigorously between both hands, applying it to all surfaces of the hands, particularly, around the nails and between fingers. Continue rubbing your hands together until they are dry. Choose products that contain ingredients to soothe and soften skin in order to prevent cracks from dry skin. Also avoid products with petroleum bases, as they can compromise the integrity of latex gloves.
Pathogen Transmission
-
Bacteria and other pathogens are easily transmissible through contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva and mucus. Dentists regularly come in contact with all of these. In healthy individuals, antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not pose as much of a problem, but, should a dentist operate on a child, an elderly patient or an immunocompromised patient, the possibility of infection increases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Hand washing is easy to do and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all settings."
Proper Technique
-
Proper hand washing is an easy and cost-efficient method to prevent disease transmission. However, many people wash their hands incorrectly. Use warm or cold water when washing your hands. Apply either plain or antimicrobial soap and work the soap into a good lather by rubbing your hands together. Concentrate on the area between fingers and around the nails while scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. The CDC suggests humming "Happy Birthday" twice to account for the time. Rinse your hands thoroughly with water while continuing to rub them. Use a clean towel or air dryer to completely dry your hands.
-