DTR INFECTION CONTROL

Completed Cases EPA-registered disinfectant. Also disinfect pliers and other special instruments after each use, even if they do not come in contact with blood or saliva. An alternate method is immersing the instruments in an EPA-registered intermediate or high-level disinfectant such as iodophor or 2 percent glutaraldehyde. The work authorization request will be closed out in the Prosthetic Log by entering the date of completion. This is done by the delivering dentist or the technician. The work authorization request will be retained in the laboratory for two years. The case pan and its contents will be placed on the plaster bench for cleaning. Cleaning includes the emptying of used models and the spraying down of the case pan. GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION CONTROL IN THE DENTAL LABORATORY When you are working in the prosthetic department or the laboratory, infection control is still a major concern. Follow BUMEDINST 6600.10, Dental Infection Control Program, for complete guidance and instructions. Prostheses or impressions may carry a multitude of bacteria in dental plaque, blood, or saliva. To protect everyone from cross contamination and possible infection, dental personnel must use proper techniques for disinfection of material before sending it to the laboratory from the DTR and vice versa. BARRIER CONTROL Place barriers wherever possible to prevent cross contamination. Establish a designated area in the dental laboratory where technicians disinfect all incoming and outgoing items. DTR INFECTION CONTROL Wipe contaminated shade guides, face-bows, a r t i c u l a t o r s , a n d a l c o h o l t o r c h e s w i t h a n Instrument Sets When possible, use trays to allow sterilization or disinfection of multiple instruments. Unit Dose Concept Use of the unit dose concept prevents contamination of bulk supplies. Dispense enough to complete the entire procedure when using such items as petroleum jelly, impression materials, waxes, pressure disclosing or indicator paste, disposable brushes, and orthodontic brackets and wires. Processing and Transfer to the Laboratory When possible, rinse and disinfect impressions, prostheses, and intraoral devices before transfer to the laboratory to reduce chances of cross contamination. If the integrity of the item or material is compromised by this disinfection, a waiver should be requested through the command on the item (for example, procelain-stained crown before bake). Place casts and prostheses in self-sealing plastic bags to prevent contact with adjacent materials, the shipping box, foam insulation, or paper work. Consider everything returned from a dental laboratory as contaminated. The receiving facility must disinfect these items. 8-35