Essential PPE for Dentists

IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.adamdental.com.au/infection-control/gloves-examination

The Importance of PPE for Dentists

Maintaining a sterile, hygienic clinic and compliance with stringent infection control workplace practices is intrinsic to dentistry for the benefit of both dentists and patients. Adam Dental Supplies in Australia provides a wide array of essential PPE and infection control items for dentists, including nitrile gloves and much more.

Using PPE as well as following protocols for safe clinical practices and environment is crucial to protect everyone in the clinic and avoid transmission of airborne, bloodborne, and other diseases, including:

• HIV
• Hepatitis A, B, & C
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• MRSA
• And many other viral and bacterial infective agents

What is PPE?

The term PPE refers to personal protective equipment. This describes any and all equipment that dentists, dental assistants and nurses, and oral hygienists, as well as all medical and other associated staff, may use in the clinic or surgery. It includes:

• Face PPE – masks and respirators. Single-use masks provide a protective barrier against splash and splatter as well as some airborne protection; respirators protect completely against airborne microbes and the inhalation of aerosols.
• Hand PPE – single-use sterile gloves may be latex gloves, nitrile gloves, or occasionally be made from another material. These must be used for all patient examinations and procedures, and while cleaning dental instruments.
• Eye PPE – safety goggles, glasses, or visors worn during treatments and also during the manual cleaning of dental instruments.
• Body PPE – gowns and aprons which are worn over the uniform to protect the clothing with a barrier against body fluids and splashes.

PPE should be put on in the following order:

1. Apron
2. Mask
3. Eye Protection
4. Gloves

It should be removed in reverse order, i.e., gloves off first, apron off last.

Single-use PPE items should be disposed of appropriately as hazardous clinical waste.

Dental PPE at Adam Dental

PPE is a dental and medical standard for infection control and prevention, and alongside measures including proper workplace practices, staff immunization, biohazardous waste handling, and good clinic ventilation, PPE prevents injury, infection, and disease transmission.

At Adam Dental, we provide a comprehensive catalogue of top products from leading manufacturers worldwide, including:

• Examination Gloves
• Protective Apparel
• Protective Eyewear
• Barrier Systems