In this clip from this week’s episode of In the Sterilization Room with Jackie, infection prevention and sterilization expert Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, provides a readout of the recent OSAP (Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention) annual conference panel focused on the PPE crisis. The panel, “Dentistry’s PPE Crisis: How We Got in This Mess, and How We’ll Get Out of It,” brought together mask, gown, and glove manufacturers who reported on the complexities and nuances of the worldwide PPE market and what lies ahead.
There was good news and bad news. The good news: The supply chain for masks should stabilize by the end of the year. The bad news: Disposable gowns and glove supplies could be limited.
Jackie provides advice to orthodontic practices to help them navigate potential shortages.For disposable gowns, practices might want to look into switching to reusable gowns or using a laundry service. And for gloves, practices should be looking at how they can preserve their gloves. OP
