Appendix B-2
Control Measures – Dental Assisting

RADIATION SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Pursuant to the California Radiation Control Regulations, the owner/registrant is responsible for radiation safety and for assuring that only competent persons operate the X-ray machines under his or her jurisdiction. The registrant must establish rules for radiation safety and required that each operator demonstrate familiarity with the rules. All section references cited are required by the regulations.

Factors pertinent to radiation safety (Section 30311) (1-5)
1.	No individual occupationally exposed to radiation shall be permitted to hold patients or films during exposure, nor shall any individual be regularly used for this service.
2.	During the exposure, the operator shall stand at least 6 feet from the patient or behind a protective barrier.
3.	Only the patient shall be in the useful beam.
4.	Neither the tube housing nor the cone shall be handheld during exposure.
5.	Each patient undergoing dental radiography shall be draped with a protective apron on not less than 0.25 millimeters (mm) lead equivalent to cover the gonadal area. Note: Lead aprons should be hung over a round bar or rolled up, not folded. Repeated folding eventually causes "stress cracks" in the leaded rubber and shortens the useful life of the apron.
6.	The operator must adhere to the rules for radiation safety.
7.	Any apparent malfunction of the X-ray machine must be reported immediately to the person responsible for radiation safety.
Infection Control Procedures 
1.	Newly emerging diseases have created an unprecedented risk in routine dental procedures.
2.	It is wrong to make assumptions or label patients "safe" or "high risk" based on medical histories or apparent lifestyle.
3.	Dentists are required to provide a hazard-free environment for staff and patients.
4.	New Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require all health care employers to teach employees proper precautions to avoid infection with the HIV/AIDS virus, Hepatitis B, and other life-threatening diseases; and to provide them proper protective equipment and vaccinations. Failure to do so may incur fines up to $10,000.00.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The following provides information on personal protective equipment (PPE) for dental assistants.

Masks and Eye Protection: 
Wear masks and eye protection during all procedures.

Remember that it is possible for a high-speed handpiece to disperse moist aerosol as much as 3 feet from its source.

Gloves: 
Wear gloves during all procedures.

Change gloves between patients. If you leave the exam room you must put on a clean pair when you return.

Gloves are made of latex or vinyl and should fit properly. Heavy-duty utility gloves can be worn for cleaning of instruments, and can be re-used after being disinfected.

Over-gloves, usually clear plastic, can be worn over latex gloves when reaching into drawers in the middle of the patient's dental procedure so that you do not contaminate the items in the drawer.

Attire:
A knee-length lab coat or scrubs should always be worn when treating patients. Office attire should be changed for a fresh one at the start of each working day, and during the day if it appears soiled.

Work clothing should be removed before leaving the office for lunch and at the end of the day.

Work clothing should be washed separately from your other clothes, with bleach.