Dental assistant
[7] This was at a crucial time due to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreading rapidly at a global rate.
[7] At the time, the transmission risks associated with bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B were not fully understood, and personal protective equipment (PPE) was not yet standard in most clinical settings.
However, the increased awareness and understanding of these infectious diseases by the late 1980s and early 1990s led to significant changes in infection control protocols across health care fields, including dentistry.
[8] However, in 2018 gloves, masks and eye protection have become part of the standard infection control guidelines which has been implemented in all oral health care settings as a means of preventing the spread of infectious disease.
[7] Dental assistants play a crucial role in maintaining high levels of infection control in the oral health care setting.
[citation needed] To perform infection control responsibilities well, the dental assistant must have the appropriate education, training and work experience.
[9] Lastly, footwear must include leather closed toe shoes; this minimises the risk of sharps injury.
[9] Contaminated waste needs to be placed in a leak proof thick yellow bag with a biohazard symbol label.
[9] The dental assistant should put on utility gloves when cleaning working surfaces during the changeover between patients.
[12] One of the roles that the dental assistant participates in is changing these plastic barriers after each patient has left that surgery.
This can be defined as free of all life forms where the elimination of considerable number of the most heat resistant spores (bacterial and mycotic) is the basic criteria sterilisation.
[15] Antiseptic chemical agents similar to disinfectants but they may be applied safely to living tissue, is another task for dental assistant where Alcohol is the most commonly used.
[15] Dental assistants make a difference in the community by participating in health promotion activities and programs.
These programs may take place at schools, preschools, immunisation events or at maternal health clinics.
[1] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of America the rate of employed dental assistants will likely increase by 18% in the ten years between 2014 and 2024.
This may have the potential to reach other countries in the future as the need for dental and oral health treatments increase.
Australian Dental assistants perform limited and restricted duties and are not permitted to perform any of the following:[19][30] Dental Assisting is not a registered profession in Australia and as such training courses are not mandatory, although those with nationally recognised qualifications will enjoy the benefits of higher wages and better employment opportunities.
[19] There is no formal training required of entry level dental assistants in order to commence or undertake work in private practice in Australia.
[31] Most dental assistants gain practical experience at a place of employment although there are vocational qualifications which are nationally recognised and highly recommended for increasing a person's job prospects, remuneration, and professional development.
Many state and territory public health care facilities and training providers will require students and workers to present evidence of Hepatitis B immunity and the results of a criminal history check prior to commencing clinical placement.
