OSAP Addresses Reception Room Infection Control
ANNAPOLIS, MD: June 4, 2008 – The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has addressed a subject seldom discussed: infection control in the reception area of the dental office. “The Reception Room” is a feature in the May issue of the OSAP publication Infection Control in Practice (ICIP). The multi-part article is designed to help dental professionals recognize sites in the reception room that need constant attention with regard to cleanliness and infection control. It is the second installment of a new series on compartmentalizing infection control policies and procedures.
“The Reception Room” provides information on issues of concern to employers and staff as well as techniques for protecting patients and the dental team. It lists healthcare-associated infectious disease-causing organisms, discusses the CDC infection control recommendations as they relate to the reception area, and provides disease prevention information for patients. Also covered are housekeeping procedures, tips to increase regulatory compliance, and links to additional resources. Upon successfully completing the included test, the participant can receive one continuing education (CE) credit.
The six themed issues of ICIP cover a full day in a dental practice, from before the first patient walks through the door to getting ready to go home. Future issue topics include the operatory (disease transmission, safety techniques, hand hygiene, needle safety, etc.), instrument processing room (cleaning, disinfecting, sterilization, instrument transfer, wrapping, and storage), and support equipment (radiology, dental lab, nitrous, etc.). The feature “Before you go home” will cover records management, DUWL, waste management, laundry, documentation of staff meeting notes, and planning ahead (preunit dosing, inventory management).
A subscription to ICIP (available electronically and in printed form) is one of many benefits of an OSAP membership. Individual issues of ICIP are also available for a fee. For more information or to join OSAP, go to www.OSAP.org or call 800-298-OSAP (6727).
