Join us in celebrating Dental Infection Control Awareness Month - #DICAM24! Throughout this month, we will be exploring important infection control topics. Let's start off by discussing the cornerstone of infection control: Hand Hygiene! Sure, you've got top-notch equipment, carefully selected PPE, and a friendly chairside manner, but all of that could go down the drain (literally) if we forget the basics: clean hands!
Why Hand Hygiene Matters in Dentistry
Did you know that your hands are the most common way germs spread? Well, our hands are like little explorers, venturing into the great unknown of patient care. They touch surfaces, gloves, instruments, and—most importantly—people! Every handshake, every instrument grab, and every patient touch is an opportunity for bacteria to make an unwanted guest appearance. And nobody invited those pesky pathogens to the party!
Ensuring your hands are kept clean is not only a basic practice but also a powerful tool in stopping the spread of infections. Consider it a magic shield – an unseen force that safeguards both yourself and your patients. Whether you're scrubbing up for a surgical procedure or simply sanitizing your hands in between tasks, each wash and rub plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe environment!
Here is a quick refresher on how to wash your hands effectively. Please note: these are the steps for normal hand washing. If you are doing a surgical scrub, make sure to scrub hands and forearms for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer, usually 2-6 minutes long.
Step #1: Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
Step #2: Apply soap - rub hands together until soap forms a lather. Make sure to cover all surfaces - front, back, between fingers, on thumbs, on wrists, and under nails.
Step #3: Scrub, scrub, scrub - for at least 20 seconds! Sing a song like "Happy Birthday" - twice!
Step #4: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Try not to touch the faucet with your clean hands when turning the water off. Use your elbow or paper towel instead.
Step #5: Dry your hands with a clean paper towel or let them air dry. Don't forget to moisturize.
How often do I need to perform hand hygiene?
As dental professionals, frequent handwashing is a crucial aspect of our daily routine. It may feel like we're constantly washing our hands, but remember, hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection control. So, be sure to:
- Wash your hands before and after tending to each patient or handling dental cases, regardless of glove use.
- After removing gloves, promptly practice hand hygiene to prevent any potential contamination.
- Prior to and after interacting with instruments and equipment, ensure your hands are clean.
- After touching contaminated surfaces in the patient care area, remember to wash your hands.
- Before and after eating, drinking, or handling food, cleanse your hands to halt the spread of germs.
- After using the restroom, eliminate any potential pathogens by practicing hand hygiene.
- Following coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, wash your hands to rid any transferred germs from the respiratory tract.
Hand hygiene isn’t just a box to check; it’s the bedrock of infection control.
Your hands are not just tools in dentistry—they are the heroes, the unsung stars that deserve the utmost care and attention. In dentistry, clean hands are not just a recommendation, they are an absolute necessity. They are the guardians of health, the protectors of well-being, and the gatekeepers of infection control. So, go ahead, pamper those hands, show them the love and care they deserve, because in the grand scheme of things, your hands are not just important—they are essential to the safety and success of your practice.
Make sure your staff is on top of their handwashing game by emphasizing the importance of regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Provide hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol in common areas and treatment rooms.
Let's keep spreading the word about the significance of hand hygiene, especially during the kickoff week of DICAM24!
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