IPC Update

July 20, 2022 | Health, Safety & Environment Coordinator

Note: To find topics from previous bulletins, please use the search icon [🔎] in the top right-hand corner of this page.

Dear Staff, Faculty and Students,

Change of Disinfecting Wipes

Moving into the fall term, we will be changing the disinfecting wipes we use in the Oral Health Clinic & Simulation Laboratory from CaviWipes XL to CaviWipes 2.0.

Previously, we have been using CaviWipes XL in our clinical and simulation spaces. According to the CaviWipes XL Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU's) we are required to double wipe any objects or surfaces.

The double wiping technique uses a number of wipes to remove all the visible bioburden (saliva, blood, tissue, contaminated dental materials, etc) from all objects or surfaces before wiping everything a second time with more wipes to ensure everything is disinfected. 

CaviWipes 2.0 will be our new disinfecting wipe moving forward. According to the Manufacturer's Instructions for Use (MIFU's), CaviWipes 2.0 requires a single wipe that both cleans and disinfects. However, if, during patient care, larger amounts of bioburden are produced, then double wiping (as described above) is still required.

Remember, we must be very diligent with the use of aerosol mitigation techniques and devices during patient care such as utilizing HVE, LVE and/or an independent aerosol control system such as Purevac or Dry Shield to control the amount of bioburden and environmental surface contamination created. 

Simulation Lab IPC / HSE

Recently the IPC Team has received reports that students and faculty have not been following our IPC policies in the Simulation Lab. Please remember that all students, faculty, staff and visitors are expected to follow all of the School of Dentistry IPC policies in all of our spaces at all times, regardless of the regional COVID-19 situation.

The use of PPE in the Simulation Lab is required. Faculty & Staff must wear PPE in the simulation lab to model proper IPC/HSE techniques. Learners must use PPE in the Simulation Lab so that intraoral & lab skills are learned in the manner in which they will be performed in the Oral Health Clinic and lab spaces.

We remind anyone working, learning or teaching in the Simulation Lab to: 

• Wear a mask and eye protection when working in the wet or dry lab in the Simulation Lab This is an occupational safety requirement for all.

• A mask and face shield are required when participating in simulation or patient care activities  that involve aerosol generating procedures (AGP’s). 

Have IPC Questions, Concerns or Positive Comments? Email dentIPC@ualberta.ca.

Sincerely,
Dr. Khaled Altabtbaei, IPC Officer
Ronna Richardson-Lozano, IPC Coordinator