(2) Chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide is effective for surface disinfection
and is commonly used. Recent improvements in regard to odor and corrosiveness may
make it even more popular and useful in the future.
e. Complex or Synthetic Phenols. Complex or synthetic phenols contain more
than one phenolic agent. These phenolic agents act synergistically for their
antimicrobial action. The advantages are that they have a clear color, have a pleasant
odor, and are less corrosive on metal. The disadvantages are that they can degrade
certain plastics and that the fumes irritate skin and eyes.
2-21. CLEANING PERFORMED PRIOR TO CHEMICAL DISINFECTION
Both surfaces and instruments must be cleaned prior to disinfection.
Disinfectants are affected by saliva and blood. Room temperature chemical
disinfectants will not penetrate organic matter (which may contain disease organisms)
that is retained on instruments and equipment. Surfaces must be cleaned and wiped
before being sprayed with the chemical disinfectant. Instruments and equipment should
be placed in an ultrasonic cleanser unit, rinsed, and dried prior to immersion in a
chemical disinfectant. Scrubbing under running water is necessary only if visible debris
is present after use of the ultrasonic cleanser unit.
2-22. FIXED AND SEMI-FIXED EQUIPMENT
a. Fixed Equipment. This equipment should be disinfected IAW local SOP or
barrier protected with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. See figure 2-4.
b. Semi-fixed Equipment. See figure 2-4.
(1)
Handpieces.
(a)
Handpieces must be sterilized.
(b) Handpieces must receive pre-sterilization and post-sterilization
maintenance according to the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Three-way syringe tips and aspirator tips. Saliva and debris can be
retracted into the three-way syringe tips and possibly contaminate other patients unless
the tips are removed and sterilized after each patient. Aspirator tips must be sterilized
or be disposable.
c. Guidelines for Both Fixed and Semi-fixed Equipment. The dental
specialist should wipe down (clean) all dental equipment prior to disinfection. Surfaces
that may be contaminated by blood or saliva and are difficult or impossible to disinfect
should be wrapped with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. These coverings need to be
removed and replaced after each patient. Disinfection must be accomplished between
patients and at the beginning and end of each day.
MD0509
2-14