Raya Alghabban

 November 4, 2024 

Reflection on Infection Control

     Infection control is an essential aspect of patient care in dental hygiene, as it ensures the safety of both the patient and the clinician. In the clinical setting, maintaining infection control involves following strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, minimizing the risk of infection transmission, and maintaining a clean, sterile environment. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), proper hand hygiene, instrument sterilization, and disinfecting all surfaces and equipment in the operator.

    In my clinical practice, I strictly adhere to these guidelines by donning PPE in the correct sequence, gown, mask, eyewear, and gloves, before starting any patient treatment. At the end of the procedure, I doff PPE in reverse order, safely disposing of contaminated materials and sterilizing reusable instruments. In addition, to protect both myself and my patients, I ensure that I practice proper hand hygiene before and after every patient interaction. This includes washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable. Additionally, I change gloves between patients and even during a procedure if they become compromised.

    One of the challenges in infection control is ensuring that every tiny detail is covered, particularly when moving between tasks. For example, it is crucial to be mindful not to touch non-sterile surfaces with gloved hands that have been used during a procedure. I have learned to keep a mental checklist of tasks, such as using foot pedals when necessary. Another challenge is patient education. Some patients may not fully understand the importance of infection control practices. Explaining why particular protocols are followed, such as why I change gloves frequently or why certain areas are off-limits for them during treatment, helps them appreciate the measures being taken to ensure their safety.

    Ultimately, I aim to continue improving my infection control practices by staying updated on the latest guidelines from the CDC and OSHA. I will further streamline my processes to ensure maximum efficiency without compromising safety. Additionally, I will continue to educate my patients on the importance of these protocols so they can feel more comfortable and confident during their appointments.