Infection Prevention and Hazardous Materials Control Policy

Infection Control Workbook (PDF)   |   SCC Dental Health Clinic Manual (PDF)

Purpose

To protect patients, employees, students, and visitors from exposure to infectious agents and hazardous materials by implementing evidence-based infection prevention practices and complying with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Policy

All personnel shall adhere to established infection prevention protocols and hazardous materials management procedures during all patient care, laboratory, housekeeping, and administrative activities.

Procedures

Standard Precautions

1. Standard Precautions are used for all patients regardless of diagnosis or perceived infection status.
2. All blood, saliva, and other potentially infectious materials are treated as infectious.

Hand Hygiene

1. Hand hygiene is performed:
   • Before and after patient contact.
   • Before donning gloves and immediately after glove removal.
   • After contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.
2. Handwashing is performed using soap and water.
3. Alcohol-based hand rubs may be used when hands are not visibly contaminated.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

1. Appropriate PPE is worn based on anticipated exposure risk.
2. PPE may include:
   • Gloves
   • Masks
   • Protective eyewear with side shields
   • Face shields
   • Protective gowns or clinic jackets
3. PPE is removed before leaving clinical treatment areas.

Instrument Processing

1. Instruments are cleaned, packaged, sterilized, and stored according to manufacturer instructions and CDC guidelines.
2. Sterilization monitoring includes:
   • Mechanical monitoring of each cycle
   • Chemical indicators with every package
   • Biological spore testing at least weekly and according to state requirements
3. Sterilization records are maintained and reviewed regularly.

Environmental Infection Control

1. Clinical contact surfaces are disinfected between patients using EPA-registered disinfectants approved for healthcare settings.
2. Surface barriers are replaced after each patient.
3. Treatment rooms are prepared and disinfected according to written operatory turnover procedures.

Dental Unit Waterlines

1. Waterline maintenance is performed according to manufacturer recommendations.
2. Annual water quality monitoring is conducted. 
3. Records of testing and maintenance are maintained.

Hazardous Materials Management

1. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are maintained and accessible.
2. Hazardous chemicals are labeled and stored according to manufacturer instructions.
3. Employees and students receive Hazard Communication training upon onboarding.
4. Chemical spills are managed according to written spill response procedures.

Waste Disposal

1. Regulated medical waste is segregated, labeled, stored, and disposed of according to California regulations.
2. Sharps are discarded immediately into approved sharps containers.
3. Hazardous waste is managed through approved disposal vendors.

Training and Documentation

1. Infection prevention and hazardous materials training is provided during onboarding.
2. Training records are maintained.
3. Compliance audits are conducted periodically.