Kontrol infeksi dan keselamatan kerja dalam praktek kedokteran gigi (Infection control and occupational safety in dental practice)

Background: Dental infection control and occupational safety in dental practices are needed to control infectious diseasetransmission between patients, dentists, dental assistants, dental nurses, dental technicians, students and volunteers. Manypatients were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and others infectious disease withoutbeing known by himself, therefore all patients be treated as potentially infectious. Purpose: In order to minimize and prevent ofiatrogenic, nosocomial infections or occupational exposures to blood and other potentially infectious material, Standard Precautionsfor Dentistry must be obeyed. Review: The principles of standard precautions include handwashing, use protective barriers,management of healthcare waste, correct handling and disposal of needles and sharps, effective cleaning, decontamination andsterilisation of equipment, instruments and environment and use appropriate disinfectants. All dental health care workers arealso advised to have vaccination against HBV. Conclusion: The Dental health care provider must responsibly provide care topatients without being infected or infecting patients.Key words: Dental infection control, occupational safety, standard precaution