[…] A N D C O N T R O L I N T H E D E N T A L O F F I C E If hands are NOT visibly soiled (i.e. the majority of instances), the use of a 7b-9b% alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method of hand hygiene. This includes: • before and after direct contact with individual patients; • after contact with environmental surfaces, instruments or other equipment in the dental operatory; • after contact with dental laboratory materials or equipment; • before eating or drinkingb IMPORTANT Use professional judgement for either procedure. If you think your hands have accidentally become contaminated with body fluids, wash with soap and water to remove organic matter. Liquid soap should be provided in disposable pump dispensersb Bar soap should not be usedb Hand lotion to prevent dry or cracked skin also should be available in disposable pump dispensersb Petroleum-based hand lotions should not be used, because they can affect glove integrityb To avoid contamination, disposable pump dispensers of liquid products should be discarded when empty and not "topped-up" or refilledb Despite perceptions to the contrary, alcohol-based hand rubs have been shown to be less irritating to skin than soap and waterb Select a product that contains emollientsb IMPORTANT The re is sufficient evidence that alcohol-based hand rubs are superior to washing with soap and water, except in cases where the hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with body fluids. How should hand hygibnb bb donb? When using soap and water for routine care: • Wet hands with warm, not hot, waterb • Apply adequate amount of soap to achieve latherb...
Type: Media