Infection prevention and control protocols in dentistry - Canadian guidelines

Abstract

Introduction. A risk of transmission of infectious diseases has always been an inherent part of dental practice. Easily communicable respiratory and blood borne diseases have prompted dental communities to establish, evaluate, update and monitor infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols and strategies (guidelines). The aim of this paper was to present Canadian standard protocols of infection prevention and control in dental offices, and compare them with similar guidelines available to dentists in Serbia. Method. A detailed overview of the most current IPAC guidelines and protocols provided by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia in Canada has been summarized. In addition, the effect of the most recent Covid-19 pandemic on the current infection prevention and control measures in dental offices and future perspectives has been reviewed. Conclusion. Implementing infection prevention and control guidelines is essential part of practicing dentistry. Regulatory authorities have responsibility to establish and provide dentist with the most current IPAC protocols while dentists need to adopt up-to-date procedures and appropriately and consistently use them in everyday practice.