luminousinsights

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THE PATIENT SAFETY CHALLENGES

Infection control and prevention in the dental office setting

The virus is known to be highly transmissible when patients are most symptomatic, transmission can occur before any symptoms are apparent. Additionally, the majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 may have no symptoms or symptoms that resemble seasonal allergies or influenza, contributing to a significant number of undiagnosed cases. Hence, even asymptomatic dental patients should be considered as potential carriers and therefore it is recommended to implement a routine screening process for both patients and staff, to ensure that both symptomatic and recently exposed individuals stay home for the safety of all patients and dental team members.

Guidelines recommend that elective care for dental patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 be deferred until the patient meets criteria for discontinuation of home isolation. For patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who need to receive emergency or urgent dental care, various treatment guidelines have been developed. Dental Care providers are advised to:

If possible, perform procedures in a negative pressure room, (airborne infection isolation room or AIIR) for aerosol-generating dental procedures.

Follow standard, contact, and airborne precautions including hand hygiene practice.

Consider taking extraoral radiographs instead of intraoral (e.g. panoramic radiography) to avoid gag reflex.

Limit the number of dental healthcare providers (DHCP) present during the procedure to only those essential for patient care and procedure support. Visitors should be limited to those who are necessary.

Use a dental hand-piece with anti-retraction function, four-handed dentistry, high evacuation suction and rubber dams to minimize droplet splatter and aerosol generation.

Minimize the use of ultrasonic instruments, high-speed handpieces, and 3-way syringes.

Perform endodontic procedures with dilute (1%) solutions of sodium hypochlorite to extend supplies without adverse effects on outcomes.

Use resorbable sutures (i.e., sutures that last 3 to 5 days in the oral cavity) to eliminate the need for a follow up appointment.

Disinfect surfaces with EPA-approved chemicals and maintain a dry environment.

Wear an N95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator such as a disposable filtering facepiece respirator, a powered air-purifying respirator, or an elastomeric respirator; eye protection (e.g., goggles, reusable face shields); gloves; and a gown.

As part of routine practice, DHCP should be asked to regularly monitor themselves for fever and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Unvaccinated DHCP, patients and visitors should be offered resources and counseled about the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

In situations when unvaccinated patients could be in the same space (e.g., waiting rooms), arrange seating so that patients can sit at least 6 feet apart, especially in counties with substantial or high transmission.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health-care system drastically, including dental care practice. Aerosols and droplets are considered as the primary basis for the transmission of the infectious disease. Quality dental treatment would not be possible without the probability of aerosols interfering in daily dental practice.

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eight's a charm?

Are you not doubtful with the course? Especially with the current crisis, like how it may hinder your ability to fully indulge with the lesson? Yes, I am very much afraid of my incompetence as a future dentist, but I believe that every problem has it's solution.

But you're studying a hands-on course, clinical practices area needed. What if there are instances of COVID patients and you get infected? All I can say is that it will be one of the many challenges in pursuing a goal I desire to achieve. That's actually why I'm here to talk about it...

Ladies and Gentlemen, eight really is a charm, the main event for today is a talk on the Challenges and Possible Solutions in Dental Practice during and post COVID-19.

I know I placed this above the blog, so it's not a surprise. The important thing is that all these nonsense ends here and the next entries will be all about the topic.

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here's my seventh entry

If you're ever wondering, why dentistry? No one wondered, I just had this urge to share because I'm random like that. I come from a family of dentists, but I wasn't forced into this course. It was my first option, but as I grew older I developed an interest into become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. But I still love the dental pathway due to how I still am able to become a surgeon. However, if I had the time and money, I would pursue medicine.

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You're probably wondering what's with the display pictures and names. Don't need to go into detail but let's just say that they're my entire world :'))

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FUN FUN FUN

This is by so far the fifth post for my blog and I haven't gone straight to the main point which pretty much determines my entire grade for this activity. But what's a blog when you just get down to all those serious facts and information? Not in this blog :PP

I mean if I have to be honest no one gets intrigue if they come across a blog that directly shoots you with heavy info, right? It's that kind of feeling where professors present the lesson, without a lil creative sizzle. In short, it's a bore unless if we converse straight to the point about social dramas.

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PART 2: DENTAL SPECIALIZATIONS

This was actually the second design I've made. The first one took me 2 hours and this literally took me 20 minutes to complete. T.T

Not me panicking hours before the deadline jsdnainfaksdksal

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PART 1: DENTAL SPECIALIZATION

A little something I created because why not? or did I go overboard for this one?

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WHAT IS DENTISTRY?

Dentistry, the profession concerned with the prevention and treatment of oral disease, which includes diseases of the teeth, supporting structures and diseases of the soft tissues of the mouth.

Dentistry also addresses the treatment and correction of malformation of the jaws, misalignment of the teeth, and birth anomalies of the oral cavity. In addition to general practice, dentistry includes many specialties and subspecialties, including orthodontics and dental orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pathology, endodontics, public health dentistry and oral and maxillofacial radiology.

Yes, I did not paraphrase what was stated above because that isn't the main topic here. No, dental visits do not look like the picture above, I think we all agree on that. No patient openly smiles and stares at their dentist that way because that's just distractingly weird.

Anyways, you can find out more about the profession on the attached link!

[luminousinsights]

Hello, eya here! Everyone knows the sole purpose of a dentist's existence. And that main motive is obviously to care for people's teeth. But for educational purposes and for this blog to look formal, allow me to properly elucidate as to what a dentist is all about on the next post.

P.S. basic information on dentistry is not the content for this blog, stay tuned!!