Dental Hygienists are exposed and at risk of contracting many life threatening diseases. The main concern is hepatitis B. By law a dental hygienist must have the vaccination for hepatitis B in order to practice. Although, there is a vaccine for hepatitis B there are many other diseases a hygienist is venerable to such as hepatitis C, tuberculosis, herpes simplex 2 and HIV. By working in close contact with patients a dental hygienist must be aware and protect themselves of potential diseases and be careful not to break patient confidentiality.
Currently working as a dental assistant I have been told by employers to treat all patients as though they are infected with a disease. By assuming each patient is a carrier I am making sure I am using extra caution, taking my time with patients and not rushing or cross contaminating. Moreover, the review and update of patient health histories is of high importance in the dental profession.
In conclusion, I feel that thorough examination of each patient will provide the best care possible. Furthermore, properly sterilizing all instruments, operatories and complying with all OSHA regulations will help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to everyone.
What surprised me the most was all the diseases that a dental hygienist can contract. I never realized that touching someones mouth could possibly lead to such a spread of diseases. I knew that you could contract HIV through saliva but I never really thought about Hepatitis B.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing to communicate is that there is a lot of caution that is used to show that there is no cross contamination happening between patients. Not only would that be a huge lawsuit, but it could ultimately make a patient lose their life. I think there should just be a few examples of how extra caution is taken.
I also was surprised by all of the disease that dental hygenist come in contact with on a regular basis. However, the last time I went to my dentist's office on the check in paperwork you are required to fill in, they do ask if you have an disease that the dentist and hygenist that will be taking care of you will know the extra pre-cautions to take.
ReplyDeleteI feel the most important concept is to make sure that the patient is being totally honest with the team, so that the patient is not putting harm in their way. Also understand the confidentiality that the office is required to use.