[…] D E N T A L S U R G E O N S O F O N T A R I O Purpose of the Document This document is intended to provide all OHCWs with the knowledge to properly implement necessary infection prevention and control measures in dental practiceb It consolidates published recommendations from government and other agencies, regu- latory bodies and professional associationsb Wherever possible, recommendations are based on data from well-designed scientific studiesb However, some infection prevention and control practices routinely used by health care practitioners cannot be rigorously examined for ethical or logistical reasonsb In the absence of scientific evidence for such practices, certain recommendations are based on strong theoretical rationale, suggestive evidence or opinions of respected authoritiesb In addition, some recommendations are derived from provincial and federal regulationsb Accordingly, this document presents "best practices," reflecting the best evidence and expert opinion available at the time of writingb Professional and Regulatory Considerations Dentists have an obligation to maintain the standards of practice of the profession and, accordingly, must ensure that recommended infection prevention and control procedures are carried out in their officesb OHCWs must maintain current knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures, and apply and maintain them appropriately and consistentlyb To this end, it is the dentist’s responsibility to ensure that staff are adequately trained in infection prevention and control procedures, and that the necessary supplies and equipment are available, fully operational, up-to-date and routinely monitored for efficacyb In addition to professional obligations, dentists also have an ethical duty to maintain a safe and healthy office environment for both patients and staff, and to adhere to all rules and regulations related to the operation of a dental practice, including workplace health and safety and environmental protectionb Introduction 4 I N F E C T I O N ...
Type: Media