INFECTION CONTROL IN A DENTAL LABORATORY

Laboratory personnel can be protected against infection by establishing a barrier system. In practice,
this means disinfecting or sterilizing dental items that have had contact with the patients before and
after laboratory work is performed. With an operational barrier system, a prosthesis can be
processed in the laboratory without the need to disinfect or sterilize laboratory instruments and
equipment during the procedure.

INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES IN THE LABORATORY

A) Impression brought into the laboratory

1) Impression – Wash impression with running tap water thoroughly before pouring the cast.
2) Impression tray – Sterilize the tray in a steam or chemical vapor. It is the dental assistant normally
that sterilizes the tray.

B) Saturated Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate Solution (SDS) Solution. Make sure that the SDS is fresh-set
stone that has never been poured/used against a potentially contaminating impression

C) Prosthesis brought into the laboratory.

1) Initial preparation. Scrub prosthetic device with brush and a bacteriocidal soap.
2) Cleaning the prosthesis after scrubing. The prosthesis is place in a disinfectant filled container. Then
the prosthesis in the container is placed in an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes. Cover the ultrasonic
cleaner to reduce aerosol spread inside the laboratory area.
3) Disinfect all repairs and returned appliances before they are entered into the laboratory.

D) Dispensing the finished product (prosthesis). Scrub and use ultrasonic cleaner into the finished
prosthesis before sending back or out of the laboratory.

E) Case Pans. - Wipe out pans with a disinfectant solution.

F) High risk patients.

1) Keep the appliance or impression from high risk patients.
2) Separate the prosthesis from other laboratory work.
3) Use gloves, wear mask in handling the material or the prosthesis.
4) Sterilize all instruments and devices that come in contact with a high risk patients.

G) Rush Cases.

1) As much as possible, the laboratory do not allow rush cases as they don’t want to jeopardize the
barrier system.
2) If it is done, it is in an isolated area, which includes the polishing unit with abrasives and other
polishing agents.
PROPER HAND WASHING

1) Initial hand washing, clean and wash hands before starting the duty for the day.
2) Remove all rings, fingernails should be free of nail polished, and clean using a nail cleaner.
3) Hand cleaning steps: a) Wet your hands and apply an antiseptic solution . c) Scrub your hands and
nails with a special sponge and brush. d) Then wipe your hands with a clean paper towel.
4) Repeat hand cleaning after you work with contaminated dental items before taking lunch and
before you leave the dental laboratory.

CHEMICAL STERILIZER AND DISINFECTION

Heat sterilization is the preferred method. Since not all instruments can be accommodated in the heat
sterilizer, they required chemical sterilizer and disinfection.

A) Chemical Sterilizer
1) Glutaraldeyde
2) Chlorine Dioxide
3) Ethylene Oxide

B) Chemical Disinfection
1) Iodophor
2) Glutaraldehyde
3) Phenolic
4) Chlorine
5) Formaldehyde