2.1 Introduction
One program staff member should be designated the infection-control coordinator. This individual is in charge of maintaining the infection-control plan. The program should have access to a health professional qualified to provide post-exposure care, counseling, and follow-up. A post-exposure plan should delineate protocols and procedures, including reporting and medical care in the event of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM). Program staff should regularly review their plan and procedures and update them as necessary.3 The Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual (chapter 4, section VIII) provides information and resources for infection control, including examples of protocols for post-exposure management. Step 7 of Seal America: The Prevention Invention (2nd ed.) identifies considerations for selecting the best available location for programs to operate at a given school. To help ensure optimal infection control, program planners should seek a site that has access to potable running water and electrical outlets and that has sufficient capacity to operate one or more sterilizers. |
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It is critical that program staff receive education and training on the principles and rationale for recommended infection-control practices. Programs must have written infection-control plans (including post-exposure plans) that contain policies and procedures to reduce risk of transmission of infectious agents and that clarify the steps to be taken in case transmission occurs.
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