In order to better understand the current state of infection control practices in the United States Air Force Dental Corps, DIS performed a comprehensive survey. The following comments represent some of the highlights of the survey. Clinical personnel are assigned to the necessary infection control duties and most clinics have a representative who has attended the USAF Dental Infection and Occupational Health Course. Most clinics have available the required and recommended guidelines and standards. All clinics are providing proper training to newcomers and appropriate annual training to the entire staff.
Several options exist for clinical attire and personal protective equipment.
A majority of the clinics have a Dental Instrument Processing Center with designated work areas. A high percentage of clinics are following the recommendations to improve dental unit water. Less than one percent of USAF dental clinics have staff members with a documented latex allergy. All clinics have a written protocol for reporting and treating percutaneous injuries. The area of dental infection control is changing daily, and it is imperative that all dental staff members stay current with the latest appropriate science-based information, such as recommendations and regulations aimed at protecting personnel and patients, occupational disease risks, and evolving equipment technology.