The Delta variant continues to sweep through the country. In this episode of In the Sterilization Room with Jackie, we look at the latest data on the variant and infection prevention consultant Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, dives into how this variant is different from the original strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including a breakdown of the infectivity rate of this variant and why orthodontic practices should be frequently checking the infectivity rate in their area. She then goes on to explain to orthodontic practices the importance of reimplementing any precautions they may have relaxed earlier this summer—that includes masks, health screenings, and limiting the number of people in the reception room, at the brushing stations, and in the clinical bay.

Jackie also talks about some tools you can use to help you keep the office and patients safe, from carbon monoxide monitors to pre-procedural mouth rinses, and reminds practices that the FDA has removed the emergency use authorization for KN95 respirators in aerosol-generating procedures. The FDA has advised healthcare practices to use up those masks for non-aerosol-generating procedures and use N95 masks for aerosol-generating procedures. When it comes to ventilation, she reminds practices to make sure that they have changed the filters on their ventilation systems and if they have free-standing HEPA filters, ensure those are being maintained. What’s more, she advises practices to take a look at their suction system and look at whether they’ve implemented adequate cleaning routines for their suction system.

To ensure that your orthodontic office is doing its best to protect patients and staff, Jackie has created check-list for practices: Delta Variant Infection Control Check-Up for Orthodontic Practices. Link below. OP

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