Modules
Module 2: Infection Control

2.1 Introduction

CDC Division of Oral Health’s Four Basic Principles for Infection Control

  • Principle I. Take Action to Stay Healthy
  • Principle II. Avoid Contact with Blood
  • Principle III. Limit the Spread of Blood and Blood-contaminated Saliva
  • Principle IV. Make Instruments and Equipment Safe for Use

The portable nature of school-based dental sealant programs presents particular challenges for infection control. Schools often lack unused classrooms, so programs may operate in any available space (e.g., the cafeteria, the stage, the nurse’s office, the gymnasium). The space may or may not include a sink, and students and staff may need to pass through the area. Some programs need to move their equipment and materials from school to school frequently, and in certain instances the portable operatory must be set up and taken down daily.

This module describes infection-control procedures for programs to follow when conducting screenings to select teeth for sealant placement and when applying sealants. CDC Division of Oral Health’s four basic principles for infection control, the level of anticipated contact between the oral health professional and the child during these procedures, and OSHA regulations are the basis for these infection-control guidelines.1

CDC’s standard precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents.

Standard precautions include infection-prevention practices that apply to all patients. The anticipated degree of exposure to blood, body fluids, or pathogens determines the types of precautions to be implemented.