The NSW Dental Assistants' Association

[Barbara Hayes]

The updated edition of Infection Control Standards for Office Based Practices has recently been released.

At the NSW DAA Workshop on IC & OHS (May 26th & 27th) we will have the opportunity to discuss the impact of these requirements on the dental practice. Just to give us an idea of discussion, would anyone like to comment or ask any infection control questions?

Also, are there any OH&S issues that members would like to discuss on this forum?

Regards,

Barb

[Robda]

Hi Barbara

This is an infection control question that is being discussed or even debated in my workplace where I am casually employed.

We have a new member of staff who is questioning our procedures of dispossal of extracted teeth that have Amalgam fillings in them.

We have followed the guidelines and always dispose of extracted teeth in the contaminated waste bin. This to my understanding in removed regularly through the health system and incinerated.

Thus the problem arises of the teeth have Amalgam fillings in them and the incineration of Amalgam is an enviromental concern.

But the teeth are also covered in blood so therefore are a contamination risk if just left in general rubbish bins to become landfill.

We are not supposed to handle extracted teeth or try to remove blood and decontaminated them.

So here lies the problem!

Your ideas or thoughts would much apprecited. As I said I am only casually employed in this work place so my in put may not be taken if given but it cant hurt to do some research about it as I do find it an interesting debate.

Thanks for your help and egearly awaiting your response.

Robyn