In order to practice the safest dental care possible during emergency dentistry, dental workers typically use a variety of personal protection equipment. These items can protect them from blood-borne illnesses, viruses that spread via coughing and sneezing and illnesses that may spread from touching an infected area of the mouth. Knowing what to expect with PPE equipment, how it is used and how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guides dentists in safe care practices may help patients feel more at ease when a dental crisis arises.
Personal protective equipment is used by dentists, dental hygienists and lab assistants who come in contact with the patient’s teeth, tongue and gums. There is a variety of PPE used during a dental emergency, including:
These items are designed to protect the skin and mucous membranes from harm or from coming into contact with a patient’s blood or tissue. This can be especially important during an emergency, when the risk of blood or saliva spatters may be high.
Patients who arrive at a clinic for emergency dentistry may be advised of the type of PPE the dentist and technicians may wear for protection. If the patient is a child, dental assistants may advise parents about what type of gear might be used so the dentist’s appearance is less frightening, especially in the case of small children. Individuals experiencing heavy bleeding in the mouth from a broken tooth or visible pus from an infection can expect dental workers to wear heavier gloves and face shields.
Most dental clinics follow basic hygiene and protection guidelines for routine procedures; however, the equipment used during an emergency may be different depending on the circumstances. For example, if a patient comes to the clinic with a tooth abscess, the dentist and dental technicians may take additional PPE precautions because of the presence of infection. If the patient has symptoms like bleeding and severe pain, additional equipment may be used to protect dental workers against unknown pathogens.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer guidelines for emergency dental care so that dentists and technicians can maintain good health and prevent the spread of infection. While gloves and gowns are typically used during most dental checkups and elective procedures, the CDC recommends a few extra steps to ensure the safety of all involved. The patient may be assessed at the time of arrival to ensure they are not suffering from any infectious ailments, such as respiratory issues., and any blood or other mouth fluids will likely be considered biohazardous and cleaned with disinfectant products. The CDC also recommends eyewear with protective side shielding, to change gloves and gowns if they become spattered or soiled and to use surgeon’s gloves that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Emergency dentistry can pose significant health risks for dental workers, especially where oral infection is present. Wearing CDC-approved personal protection equipment can reduce the spread of infection and illness for everyone involved.
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