Formal Report Proposal: ‘Reduction of aerosol bacteria in clinical dental hygiene practice’

To: Dr. Erika Paterson
From: Brenda Martinez
Date: October 8, 2019
Subject: Research Proposal for ‘Reduction of aerosol bacteria in clinical dental hygiene practice’

Location of study and target audience:

For this study, I will be conducting research in my place of work. Currently I am practicing dental hygiene at Richmond Dental Clinic in Calgary, AB. This will be the location of my study, and I will be consulting with my colleagues throughout the research process. I will be focusing on conducting research over the next 12 weeks, surveys, and ongoing feedback related to this research from other dental hygienists at my office. The target audience will be the dental hygiene team at Richmond Dental Clinic.

Introduction:

Infection control is an imperative part of working in the health care field. Health care providers working in dental offices are often presented with the task of finding ways on how to reduce the bacterial load exposure in order to protect themselves as well as the rest of the dental team. For the purpose of this research paper, I am interested in informing the dental hygiene team at Richmond Dental Clinic about the benefits of using a pre-procedural rinse. Oral antiseptic and anti-bacterial mouth-rinses have been shown to be highly effective at reducing aerosol bacteria. When administered to the patient prior to ultrasonic scaling the intra-oral bacteria emitted via aerosols is significantly.

Statement of Problem:

Dental Hygienists are not routinely administering a pre-procedural oral antiseptic rinse prior to ultrasonic scaling. This is a potential infection control hazard for the clinician, which could also affect the team as a whole. Dental hygienists are constantly exposed to viruses transmitted via aerosols, such as cold and flu.

Proposed Solution:

Implementing a protocol for administering an oral antiseptic rinse, such as Listerine, prior to ultrasonic scaling for every patient. This has been shown to reduce the bacterial load during ultrasonic scaling, thereby reducing the potential contamination of dental hygienists. For example, contamination with cold and flu viruses, and the bacteria that harbor in the oral cavity.

Scope:

Generally, I am interested in finding out if dental hygienists are giving patients a pre-rinse before every appointment. Also, to determine their personal background knowledge and, perceived benefits of implementing a pre-procedural rinse. Some of the key elements of this research will be to:

• Determine if dental hygienists are giving a pre-procedural rinse at every appointment
• What are the determinants preventing dental hygienists from giving a pre-rinse?
• Does the dental hygiene team understand the reasoning and benefits behind a pre-rinse?
• What could help the dental hygiene team follow-through with the pre-rinse protocol?

Methods:

For the purpose of this report, my research will be conducted using a survey and interview method. I will discuss the topic with each dental hygienist individually and, provide a survey questionnaire. Over the next 12 weeks, I will be following up on a bi-weekly basis with each dental hygienist. That will be a total of six survey questionnaires and discussions regarding our progress as a team to implement the pre-rinse protocol.

My Qualifications:

I currently work as a registered dental hygienist in Calgary, I have been practicing dental hygiene for 6 years and have been in the dental field for 14 years. Part of my work involves ongoing continuing education on the ever-evolving dental health care profession. I have attended various courses and workshops on infection control and personal protection of dental health care professionals. As primary health care professionals, we are trained to inspect our work environment and to be aware of the potential hazards that we are constantly exposed to. Having this background knowledge will help me to carry out the research necessary for this report.

Conclusion:

Dental hygienists are not routinely administering a pre-procedural antiseptic rinse prior to ultrasonic scaling. The implementation of a Listerine mouth-rinse prior to dental hygiene for every patient, could greatly reduce the aerosol bacteria contamination hazard for dental hygienists. With cold and flu season around the corner, it is imperative that the dental hygiene team becomes aware of this knowledge. I will be educating the team on the potential risks and benefits, as well as, assessing their personal perceived factors to implementing this protocol.