What are airborne precautions? Airborne precautions are used to prevent the transmission of pathogens by aerosols. If it is deemed necessary to use airborne precautions, based on the screening criteria outlined in the Joint Return to Work Guidelines for Nova … Continue reading →
There are some exposure sites that Public Health deems high risk and requires 14-day isolation for anyone present. These apply to all Nova Scotians, irrespective of where they work. DHCP’s and office staff must take additional precautions in the exposure … Continue reading →
DHCP and office staff must immediately self-isolate, book a test at a Primary Assessment Center (PAC), isolate while awaiting results, and remain off work for 14 days post-exposure. You will find the list of potential exposure locations by reviewing the … Continue reading →
It is recommended that other individuals should not be present in the operatory during patient care. If an individual such as a parent or other caregiver is present, then they must wear a mask and be 2m away from the … Continue reading →
Non-critical items pose the least risk of transmission of infection, as they have no contact with the patient. Non-critical items should be cleaned after use or, if contaminated, cleaned and then disinfected with an appropriate low-level disinfectant (e.g. chlorine-based products, … Continue reading →
Impressions, prostheses, or appliances should be cleaned and disinfected as soon as possible after removal from the patient’s mouth, before drying of blood or other organic debris. The manufacturer’s instructions regarding the stability of specific materials during disinfection should be … Continue reading →
Impressions, prostheses, or appliances should be cleaned and disinfected as soon as possible after removal from the patient’s mouth, before drying of blood or other organic debris. The manufacturer’s instructions regarding the stability of specific materials during disinfection should be … Continue reading →
There are a number of different factors to consider. These include spacing, physical barriers, air exchange in the clinic and mitigation strategies to reduce aerosols. There should be physical barriers of adequate height and length between operatories and 2 metres … Continue reading →
Every dental office must have a back to work site plan as directed by the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Occupational Health and Safety. This plan is to be office specific using the Guidelines developed in the COVID -19 … Continue reading →
At this point in time, there is limited evidence of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from people who are asymptomatic and never develop symptoms. Most evidence from other respiratory viruses suggest that transmission events predominantly occur with the peak of symptoms (highest … Continue reading →