Oral Health Topics
Infection Control
To find information about the topic listed on this page, please visit the MouthHealthy.org page about Infection Control.
Overview
The CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings—2003 are the standard of care for infection control in dentistry. This report provides recommendations regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; 7) environmental infection control; 8) dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and 9) special considerations (e.g., dental handpieces and other devices, radiology, parenteral medications, oral surgical procedures and dental laboratories).
Additional Resources
The CDC website has a section on infection control that is designed for dental professionals. Below are links to information from the CDC and other agencies and organizations. The American Dental Association did not produce the material you will find on these sites, and presence of a link here does not imply or constitute ADA endorsement. We also have provided links to additional resources developed by the ADA.
- CDC Boil water advisories
- Cleaning and disinfecting environmental work surfaces (PDF)
- Dental unit waterlines, biofilm and water quality
- Safe use of needles and other sharps
- Hand Hygiene (PDF)
- Handling Extracted Teeth (PDF)
- Immunization Programs (PDF)
- Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2010 MMWR August 6, 2010; Volume 59, No. RR 08
- CDC Vaccination Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel (2009)
- Employee Vaccination Record (PDF)
- Hepatitis B Vaccine Information (PDF)
- Latex hypersensitivity
- Personal Protective Equipment (PDF)
- Postexposure obligations, protocols, resources (for needlesticks and other sharps injuries)
- Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up Requirements Under OSHA's Standard for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: A Guide to Dental Employer Obligations
- U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis
- U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis
- National HIV/AIDS Clinicians’ Consultation Center
- Sterilization and disinfection of patient care items
- Tuberculosis
