Discussing the updates on the PDA Interim Guidelines
on Infection Prevention for CoVid-19 Pandemic
(Part X)
This week, we shall discuss key protective equipment used in relation to infection and contamination control inside a dental clinic.
We are all familiar with the term personal protective equipment (PPE). While many of us may be familiar with the term, there are some who may not be familiar about the specifics of PPE used by dental professionals.
There are several types of PPE being used in a dental office setting. We shall discuss some of the PPE types being used by dental professionals when engaging in dental procedures.
There is a type of PPE known as reusable isolation gown.
Reusable isolation gown should be made of moisture repellent material and be able to withstand washing without quality deterioration.
Materials used in this type of PPE are Taffeta, Taffeta with Silver Back Lining (SBL), coated Taffeta, and spun Polypropylene fabric.
Protective eyewear is also another PPE that should be used in a dental clinic setting. It is best to use a protective polycarbonate wrap around lenses.
The protective eyewear is recommended to be used together with a face shield, especially when a dental professional is engaging in an aerosol generating procedure (AGP).
Sealed googles are another piece of PPE that should be used with or without face shield. The reason why sealed goggles can be used without face shields is that the protective eyewear are sealed at the sides and offer some protection when engaging in an AGP.
However, there is some risk about moisture retention or fogging on the inner lens of the goggles that will come with some time.
Another form of PPE used in dental clinics are masks such as surgical masks.
When using surgical masks, it is best to ensure the masks are of the right thickness and able to resist light to moderate droplets or aerosols.
The surgical masks can be worn in both non-AGP or AGP as long as the time of engagement with the patient is of short duration and used in tandem with a face shield.
Now, we move to discuss respirator masks.
Respirator masks should be fitted properly with no possibility of side leaks.
The respirator masks may be worn with other face protective equipment such as face shields if the dental professional is engaging in moderate to long duration AGP.
Respirator masks are also designed to be disinfected and reused as long as they are tidy and not directly exposed to aerosols.
Another piece of PPE is the procedure gloves.
Double layered procedure gloves are recommended when long dental procedures are expected and/or when procedures are done where there is danger.
It is also best to have two layers of glove to anticipate the potential of glove damage.
A single layer of procedure gloves Is best for short procedures with no risk of glove damage.
Next week, we shall start discussing the equipment that is being used for protection in a dental clinic.