Course Progress

Items processed in the dental laboratory are sources of potential cross-contamination; therefore, it is important to practice the following CDC’s guidelines when working in the lab:

1. Splash shields and equipment guards shall be used on dental laboratory lathes.
2. Fresh pumice and a sterilized or new rag-wheel shall be used for each patient.
3. Devices used to polish, trim, or adjust contaminated intraoral devices shall be disinfected or cleaned and sterilized, properly packaged or wrapped and labeled with the date and the specific sterilizer used if more than one sterilizer is utilized in the facility.
4. Sterilized items will be stored in a manner so as to prevent contamination (closed drawers or cabinets).
5. If packaging is compromised, the instruments shall be re-cleaned, packaged in new wrap, and sterilized again.
6. All intraoral items such as impressions, bite registrations, prosthetic and orthodontic appliances shall be cleaned (rinsed with water) and disinfected with an intermediate-level disinfectant before manipulation in the laboratory or sent out to a dental laboratory.  After manipulation or when returned from a laboratory and before placement in the patient’s mouth., such items shall be disinfected with an intermediate-level disinfection solution, and thoroughly rinsed prior to placement in the patient’s mouth.