Attention must also be given to the personal protective equipment that is worn when handling these items and to the physical layout of the laboratory (see Chapter 20, Infection Control and Safety in the Dental Office).Īcceptable disinfectants include glutaraldehydes, iodophors, sodium hypochlorite, synthetic phenols, dual or synergized quaternaries, and sodium bromide and chlorine.

Such an infection control protocol should include guidelines for the proper handling and disinfection or sterilization of impressions, dentures, appliances, and the equipment or materials used during the processing of these items. All items must be properly packaged and labeled. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the transportation of contaminated items between the dental office and dental laboratory. Therefore, when these items are being handled, an infection control protocol must be explicitly communicated among and observed by the office staff as well as between the office and any remote dental laboratory. Because impressions or appliances contaminated by saliva or blood are often transported to and from in-office or remote dental laboratories, the potential for cross-contamination exists. The primary goal of infection control is to prevent cross-contamination between patients and dental care providers.

Dental impression