86 Where There Is No Dentist 2012
THE FIRST RULE FOR TREATMENT: STAY CLEAN!
No matter what problem you are treating, be sure that your workplace, your
instruments, and you are always clean. For example, prevent infection by
always washing your hands before you examine or treat someone.
Wash your hands with soap and water in front of the person, in the same
room. You will show that you are a careful and caring health worker. Also,
you will demonstrate just how important cleanliness really is.
Wear gloves
Latex or plastic gloves protect the people you
touch from germs that may be stuck under your
fingernails or on your skin, even after you wash
your hands. They also protect you from getting
infections. Wear clean gloves whenever you
touch someone’s mouth or any blood.
If you are filling or removing a tooth, or if you are touching any
instruments that have been sterilized, you must wear sterile gloves.
If you do not have gloves, use plastic bags that
have been washed in disinfectant soap instead.
Bags are harder to use than gloves, but they are
better than nothing.