Education & Applicability
This group must receive training on respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette during orientation and annual reviews.
Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP)
When coughing or sneezing, one should cover the mouth and nose using these two methods.
With a tissue or with the elbow
Facilities must provide these items to support respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene.
Masks, tissues, alcohol-based hand rubs, and hand hygiene stations
Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette applies to anyone entering the dental office who shows these signs of illness.
Coughing, sneezing, congestion, or increased secretions
Used tissues must be promptly discarded in these types of receptacles.
No-touch, lined receptacles
This person monitors compliance and addresses any breaches in respiratory hygiene protocols.
Supervisors
These individuals are informed through signage and verbal reminders about proper respiratory hygiene.
Patients and visitors
Symptomatic patients should be encouraged to wear this type of mask.
Surgical mask
This designated individual updates infection control materials and ensures supplies are maintained.
Infection Control Coordinator updates materials and supplies.
The absence of this symptom does not always exclude a respiratory infection.
Fever
Persons with respiratory infections should maintain this minimum distance from others in waiting areas.
At least 3 feet
This type of trash bin should be provided to reduce contact with contaminated materials.
No-touch trash bins
Posters illustrating proper respiratory hygiene should be displayed at entry points, waiting areas, and these zones.
Clinical zones
After contact with respiratory secretions, this practice must be performed immediately.
Hand hygiene
Consistent hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, supported by education and resource availability, help maintain this kind of dental environment.
A safe dental environment