The CDC ‘s concern is primarily the health of patients. The following is an overview of the guidelines the CDC recommends for DHCP to prevent patients from contracting disease:
- DHCP should follow DBC’s Minimum Standards for Infection Control whether the patient’s infectious status is known or not
- DHCP who have contracted an infectious disease follow specific work restrictions
- Incorporate and follow a post exposure management system and protocol anytime a DHCP is exposed to blood-borne pathogens or an aerosol transmittable disease during their work
- Devices that have sharps have “sharps injury-prevention features” used in the DHS
- All DHCP follow proper hand hygiene techniques, including using appropriate hand hygiene products
- DHCP with non-intact skin or weeping dermatitis may not work on patients or handle patient care equipment
- DHCP properly clean and sterilize (reprocess) all dental instruments before using on a patient
- DHCP properly clean and disinfect all clinical surfaces and devices before using on a patient
- DHCP will follow laboratory infection control guidelines
- DHCP will flush and purge vacuum and airlines according to guidelines
- DHCP provide pre-procedural mouth rinses for patients
- DHCP use disinfection products that kill tuberculosis spores on all clinical and patient care areas
- The DHS’s infection control program is regularly evaluated