A dentist at Dayton (Ohio) VA Medical Center violated infection control policies, including proper cleaning of tools and equipment, according to a report by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.
The VA investigated the Center on allegations made to the VA System-Wide Ongoing Assessment and Review Strategy team regarding a dentist's improper procedures. After investigation, the Clinical Review Board identified three practices of the dentist that presented a risk for infection: failure to properly disinfect dentures when taking them to and from the dental laboratory; using soiled gloves and gowns outside the dental operatory and clinic and not changing gloves between patients; and failure to clean or sterilize dental equipment, such as burs, handpieces and hand instruments, between patients.
In addition, the VA found suboptimal staffing levels in the clinic and strained interpersonal relations among staff, which may have affected adherence to infection control practices. Evidence revealed the Dental Service management knew of the policy violations but did not take corrective action.
The VA recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network review the findings, including staffing levels, take appropriate action and ensure the Medical Center Director requires compliance to infection control policies.
Read the report by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General on infection policy violations (pdf).
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The VA investigated the Center on allegations made to the VA System-Wide Ongoing Assessment and Review Strategy team regarding a dentist's improper procedures. After investigation, the Clinical Review Board identified three practices of the dentist that presented a risk for infection: failure to properly disinfect dentures when taking them to and from the dental laboratory; using soiled gloves and gowns outside the dental operatory and clinic and not changing gloves between patients; and failure to clean or sterilize dental equipment, such as burs, handpieces and hand instruments, between patients.
In addition, the VA found suboptimal staffing levels in the clinic and strained interpersonal relations among staff, which may have affected adherence to infection control practices. Evidence revealed the Dental Service management knew of the policy violations but did not take corrective action.
The VA recommended the Veterans Integrated Service Network review the findings, including staffing levels, take appropriate action and ensure the Medical Center Director requires compliance to infection control policies.
Read the report by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General on infection policy violations (pdf).
Related Articles on Quality and Patient Safety:
Website Compares Provider Quality and Treatment Costs at Detroit Hospitals
AAP Urges Government to Establish Stricter Laws Over Toxic Chemicals
Study: Surgical Care Improvement Program Does Not Have the Desired Effect