News

Taking third molar exposures can be tough. Remember to place the film or sensor as far back as the patient will allow and then place the PID to the distal...a Distal Oblique exposure. Remember to increase the exposure time, as the bone will block the rays.

By Bonnie Marshall, CDA, EFDA, EFODA, MADAA

"Never doubt yourself as a dental assistant, always believe in your skills and how you can assist the dentist. Being confident and positive, will help guide you into success."

From Kandra Luna

Being a dental assistant for many years, I remember way back when..... we would attend monthly meetings for the education program and then the chit-chatting would begin. We all learned more from the networking! Meeting, discussing, learning and making wonderful friendships!

That is the start of the story here are a couple of hints for Now...

1. Try to gather with other professionals.
2. Discuss the two new products in your office or the new program for the computer.
3. Share something that you're doing in your practice that is working.
4. Go on line and look up The Dale Foundation for new education. ADAA also has courses available. Get your hours for your CDA renewal, do it early!
5. Google Helpful Hints. See what other offices are offering their patients. I just did and I'm surprised with the info from teeth brushing, calcium intake, sleep length, daily dose of vitamins of C and D and lots more.
6. See what others are doing and learn from that.
7. Offer something new to post for your patients that will make a difference.
8. Share with us, ODAA, your ideas and what you did!

Thanks,

Mary Harrison CDA, EFDA, EFODA, FADAA

 1.    What bacterial spore-former is used to biologically monitor steam sterilization?

        a.  Bacillus subtilis

        b.  Bacillus atrophaeus

        c.  Clostridium perfringens

        d.  Geobacillus stearothermophilus

 

2.    What bacterial spore-former is used to biologically monitor dry heat sterilization?

        a.  Bacillus subtilis

        b.  Bacillus atrophaeus

        c.  Clostridium perfringens

        d.  Geobacillus Stearothermophilus

 

Answers:

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Basic Abilities of a Dental Safety Coordinator 

By Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADAA

Every dental facility needs a dental safety coordinator.  At a minimum this person should have a basic understanding of:  microbiology; modes of cross-contamination in dentistry; infection prevention and general safety procedures; related governmental regulations and recommendations; and products and equipment available to maintain patient and provider safety.   

 

See the breach of infection prevention and protocol from the picture.  This image depicts action after patient treatment.

Thanks to Joyce Vaughan, Linda Kihs and model Trina Fowler

Can you spot all 9?  See the answers below!

_______________________________________________________________________________

ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE?

OSHA's Hazard Communication Guidelines for compliance states:  "Hazard communication will be a continuing program in your facility. Compliance with HCS is not a “one shot deal.” In order to have a successful program, you must assign responsibility for both the initial and ongoing activities that have to be undertaken to comply with the rule."

Every dental facility needs a Dental Infection Control Coordinator.  At a minimum, this person should:

• have a basic understanding of microbiology
• have knowledge in modes of cross-contamination
• be aware of safety and infection prevention procedures
• be knowledgeable in government regulations, rules and recommendations: (Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (BPS),  Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), and Center for Disease 
• know what products and equipment are required for patient and provider safety
• write and update policies and procedures:  Exposure Control Plan, Hazard Communication Program, list of hazardous chemicals with a Safety Date Sheet 
• establish a post-exposure system (name, address, phone number and travel directions) to the nearest healthcare facility.  Have all employee documentation relevant to the treatment including employee's medical and vaccination records.
• make sure all employees are trained upon hiring in regard to chemicals, products and procedures with follow-ups on an annual basis.
• document and maintain all equipment such as autoclave, eyewash, etc.

In addition to these specific items, compliance officers also will be asking the following questions in assessing the adequacy of the program: 

• Does a list of the hazardous chemicals exist in each work area or at a central location?  And, do all employees know where that location is?
• Are methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non- routine tasks outlined? 
• Are employees informed of the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas?  (nitrous and oxygen)
• On multi-employer worksites, has the employer provided other employers with information about labeling systems and precautionary measures where the other employers have employees exposed to the initial employer’s chemicals? 
• Is the written program made available to employees and their designated representatives?

Hazard Communication Guidelines for Compliance U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 3111 2000 (Reprinted)

Linda Kihs, CDA, EFDA, OMSA, MADAA

It’s that time of year…FLU SEASON!!!

Here are some simple steps to help you try and stay away from that awful bug!

1.       Wash your hands often with soap and water or antibacterial hand rub

2.       Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

3.       Avoid close contact with sick people

4.       Practice good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep and exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy food.

5.       Cover your nose and mouth with a TISSUE WHEN YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE!  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  If you don’t have a tissue, couch into your elbow or shoulder. 

6.       If you are sick with flu-like illness, STAY home for at LEAST 24 hours AFTER your fever is gone WITHOUT the use of a fever reducer.

If you are healthy and have been exposed because someone didn’t follow #6, there are some antiviral medications your doctor can prescribe that may prevent you from falling ill as well.

There are two different type of flu vaccinations available:

1.       Nasal spray (live attenuated virus)

2.       Trivalent or quadrivalent Injection (inactivated form of the virus)

Buddy it up with a Pneumonia vaccine and you are even less likely to feel the effects and complications of the flu season.

Join me in the pledge to get your flu vaccine!

National Flu Vaccine week is December 6-12, 2015! Let’s stay healthy and keep the workforce strong!

Kym Goodell, CDA, EFDA, EFODA