Infection Control in the Dental Office: Standard Precautions

Abstract

Infectious agents can be found in various places in a health-care setting: on human skin, inanimate surfaces, medical devices, and in the air and water sources. To prevent the spread of infectious agents within and outside of a health-care facility, health-care providers must adhere to infection control policies and procedures. Through years of evolution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established a set of policies and procedures to be used with every patient, regardless of their infectious status. These infection control recommendations known as Standard Precautions include an array of safe practices that range from an individual care to environmental protection.