Aerosol
a spray of particle-containing air.
Agent
an entity that is capable of causing disease
Airborne transmission
occurs when a susceptible person is exposed to contaminated droplets or dust particles that are suspended in the air.
Antimicrobial
microorganisms in growth inhibitor.
Antisepsis
inhibiting the growth of causative microorganisms.
Asepsis
creating an environment that is free of pathogens.
Aseptic technique
the process of creating an aseptic environment.
Asymptomatic
people who show no symptoms when they are sick.
Autoclavable utility gloves
gloves that can be sterilized in an autoclave after use.
Biofilms
microscopic areas that allow bacteria, fungi, and viruses to multiply.
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
protects workers in the United States from physical, chemical, or infectious hazards while in the workplace.
Body Substance Isolation (BSI)
a system of techniques requiring personal protective equipment to be worn to protect against contact with all bodily fluids, whether or not blood is visible.
Cavitation
a process where bubbles are formed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
provides basis for many healthcare regulations.
Chain of asepsis
aseptic procedures that assure that no cross-contamination occurs.
Cleaning
physical removal of organic matter such as blood, tissue, and debris.
Compromised host
a person with impaired normal defense mechanisms and is more susceptible to infection.
Contact dermatitis
inflammation of the skin due to a chemical irritation.
Contact transmission
physical transfer of an agent from an infected person to an uninfected person through direct contact with the infected person.
Direct contact
having direct contact with a lesion or microorganism while performing intraoral dental procedures.
Disinfection
where some microorganisms are destroyed.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
federal regulatory agency involved in the safety and effectiveness of disinfecting and sterilizing solutions.
Fomite
objects contaminated with an infectious agent such as instruments or dressings.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
division of the US department of Health and Human Services, and regulates the manufacturing and labeling of medical devices and solutions.
Glutaraldehyde
chemical disinfectant that is used for high-level disinfection and sterilization.
Host
simple or complex organism that can be affected by an agent.
Indirect contact
individual contacts the microorganism through another means, such as contaminated instruments, supplies, or equipment.
Infection control
methods to eliminate or reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms.
Inhalation
to breath in drugs.
Iodophor
intermediate-level disinfectant.
Latex allergies
people who are allergic to latex.
Material safety data sheet (MSDS)
information about labeling and hazardous waste in employee training.
Mode of transmission
process that bridges the gap between the portals of exit from the infectious agent to the portal of entry of the host.
Occupational exposure
any reasonably anticipated eye, mucosa, skin, parenteral, or any contact with blood or saliva that may result in employee injury.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
regulates requirements that employers must protect their employees from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).
Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP)
national organization that encompasses dental health care workers, distributors of dental equipment and materials, health care instructors, dentists, and others in the field of dentistry.
Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)
materials that may pose a threat in a dental workplace.
Overglove
gloves that are placed over latex gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Parenteral
a cut, needlestick, puncture, or abrasion.
Pathogens
disease producing microorganism
Pericardial
heart fluid.
Peritoneal
abdominal fluid.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
worn to protect from contact with bodily fluids, whether or not blood is visible.
Phenolics
chemical disinfectant for intermediate disinfection.
Pleural
lung fluid.
Portal of exit
the route by which an infectious agent leaves the reservoir to be transferred to a susceptible host.
Portal of entry
route by which an infectious agent enters the host.
Recommendations
guidelines that are not mandated.
Regulations
licensing boards which create authority to enforce compliance.
Reservoir
place when an agent can survive.
Sanitized
decontaminated, but not all microorganisms have been destroyed.
Spray-wipe-spray-wipe technique
spray and wipe a surface. Spray again and leave on surface for at least 10 minutes, then wipe down the surface again.
Standard precautions
universal precautions and body substance isolation techniques.
Sterilization indicators
ensures that sterilizing units are not over-packed.
Sterilization
all organisms are destroyed.
Susceptible host
one who lacks resistance to an agent.
Synovial
joint and tendon fluid.
Type 1 Allergic reaction
occurs within minutes of an allergen exposure.
Type IV Allergic reaction
exposure to chemicals that are added to latex, resulting in an allergic reaction.
Universal precautions
all patients are treated as though they are infectious.
Utility gloves
gloves used for disinfection and cleaning up infections.
Vectorborne transmission
occurs when an agent is transferred to a susceptible person host by animate means.
Vehicle transmission
occurs when the agent is transferred to a susceptible host by contaminant inanimate objects.
Emollient
Rubs soothing to the skin that help reduce drying of the skin
Thermal disinfector
Uses heat to kill most vegetative microorganisms
Alcohol-based hand antiseptic
Isopropanol, ethanol, n-propanol, or a combo of these products
Fomite
objects contaminated with infectious agents such as instruments or dressings.