Infection Control in Dentistry

The term infection control is defined as all the processes and precautions that can be taken to control the spread of infection. The purpose of infection control in dental practice is to prevent the transmission of disease-producing agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi from one patient to another patient, from dental practitioner and dental staff to patients, and from patients to dental practitioner or other dental staff. In addition, it is necessary that endogenous spread of infection also be prevented by limiting the spread of infectious agents. Dental practitioners are regularly challenged to meet the psychological needs of their patients while maintaining appropriate infection control practices.