As a scientist first and foremost, who has lived and literally breathed micobes in my previous career (which lasted 20 years in clinical laboratory medicine),I do know how ” bugs” live, grow and die. I do know that NOT all ” bugs “ are created “equal”. The stronger are more resistant and the weaker far less so. (so are we as humans) I am dismayed that the media has NOT communicated the whole truth about this recent situation that caused hysteria and panic..

So for my dental practices I ask that you continue to practice sound infection prevention (as you should always have been), reference current CDC protocols and participate in Infection Prevention training that is current and provided by an expert in the field. Ask Questions!! Knowledge is power!

Here are a few tips and reminders for reassurance:

1.Surface Disinfecting: This COVID 19 is what we call an enveloped virus.  It is the WEAKEST of the 3 virus categories ( which include large, non enveloped and small non enveloped) and therefore the current surface disinfectant that you have always been using (provided it is EPA registered with a kill claim against MTB and or HBV or enveloped viruses) will be effective for COVID19

  • Bottom line you do not have to purchase additional  or “stronger” disinfectants. The EPA has published a list of acceptable chemicals for your reference
  • Minimize items stored on counters in operatories
  • Minimize the supplies that are put out for a case
  • Use and replace (FDA approved) barriers for any device or item that has nooks, crannies or connecting parts
  1. Wash your hands with soap and water!!! This concept is as old as the dirt or contaminants on your hands! Hand washing remains the single most important way to prevent disease  transmission. Wash them for 20 seconds, use tepid water and not hot water and then dry them with paper towels.  Don’t forget to lather  the finger tips and thumbs and avoid use of handdryers.
    When you are done washing ask yourself: ” Would i feel comfortable to lick these fingers now?”  if the answer is no, then go back to the bowl and wash again!
    Only use sanitizer if you don’t have a sink, soap and water. Please limit sanitizer use
  2. Yup wear PPE, but make sure you wear the right PPE! See those charts that are in your safety manual under the section that says Facility Overview. The charts tell you what to wear and when to wear it.

And for all our sake,  take the PPE off before you leave the clinical area!! 

  • Your prescription glasses are NOT safety glasses nor are snap on side shields.
  • The mask is NOT the neckwear of the day, Change masks and or remove them when the procedure is over and or you feel the mask has been compromised.
  • Bio aerosols are generated (>4ft distance) each time a hand piece, cavitron, air water or saliva ejector is used.

Finally, this too shall pass, and as a clinical scientist I do believe we have overdone this knee jerk reaction.  Safe practices and standard precaution is nothing new and it should NEVER be treated as an event waiting to happen. Use this situation as positive opportunity to re enforce sound practices and commit to Infection Prevention every single day. Lives and your job depend on it.

 

Written by:
Pamela Dembski Hart BS MT ASCP CHSP; Principal Healthcare Accreditation Resources LLC
Board Certified  in Clinical Laboratory Science , by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Certified at the Master level: Health Care Safety Professional