Modules
Module 2: Infection Control

2.2 Principle I: Take Action to Stay Healthy

Program staff attending in-service trainingTo protect their health, program staff should

  • Stay current on recommended immunizations.
  • Follow appropriate hand-hygiene protocols.
  • Ensure that staff receive education and training about the principles of infection control, occupation-related risks for infection, taking measures to prevent exposures, and post-exposure management.2

Immunizations

Program staff should stay current on immunizations according to CDC’s recommended adult immunization schedule.4-6 In addition, all new staff should be tested for tuberculosis infection.7

Programs funded by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) must keep documentation on file of staff members’ hepatitis B vaccination/immunity status. In Ohio, all oral health professionals must show evidence of immunity to or immunization against the hepatitis B virus. The Ohio State Dental Board (OSDB) Infection Control Manual specifies the documentation requirements and process for waiver application for those medically unable to receive the vaccine.8

Hand Hygiene

Either soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used for cleaning hands. However, hands must be washed with soap and water (not hand sanitizers) when they are visibly soiled, before eating, and after using the restroom.9

Hands must also be cleaned before and after treating each patient, before donning or after removing gloves, after ungloved contact with surfaces or objects that may be contaminated by blood or OPIM, and before leaving the operatory.3 Hand hygiene information is available from CDC’s Hand Hygiene Resource

HandwashingProcedures for hand washing and for the use of hand sanitizers are as follows:

  • Hands should be washed with soap and water that is rubbed vigorously over hands and fingers for 15 seconds before rinsing with cool water and thoroughly drying.
  • If hand sanitizer is used, apply it to hands, and rub hands together as if washing hands until hands are dry.
  • Because hand sanitizers do not remove the powdery residue that can form under gloves, program staff using hand sanitizers should also wash hands periodically with soap and water.