HANDWASHING TECHNIQUES

Dental staff personnel involved in patient care must follow a rigid handwashing protocol including the following practices:

Removing all jewelry and other ornaments from the hands and wrists

Trimming the fingernails and cuticles. Nails should be no longer than the finger tips to avoid puncturing gloves. Do not use false fingernails since contamination may occur from fungal growth between the false and natural nails. Also, do not wear nail polish since micro-organisms can hide in small cracks in the finish.

Wetting the hands under warm, running water and applying the necessary amount, if antimicrobial soap is required, to work up a lather. Vigorously rub the hands together, fingers entwined. This creates friction and loosens dirt and micro-organisms. Clean under the fingernails using a nail brush. Continue scrubbing the wrists and lower forearms. Visibly soiled hands may require more time.

Surgical teams must scrub their hands up to the elbows with an antimicrobial surgical product for the time specified by the manufacturer. After scrubbing, dry with a sterile towel.

When washing times are too ^{short or technique is} poor, these problems may occur:

Fingertips, thumbs, and the areas between the fingers are washed poorly or may be skipped entirely.

The dominant hand is generally washed less thoroughly than the nondominant hand.

Microbe counts under the fingernails have been found to remain high even after surgical scrubs.

Rinse soap off by placing hands under warm running water. If the sides of the sink are touched, you must repeat the handwashing. Dry hands with paper towels. If the sink does not have an electronic elbow, foot, or knee action faucet control, use a dry paper towel when turning off the faucet.