Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
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Slide 7: Modes of Transmission
Slide Text
- Direct contact with blood or body fluids
- Indirect contact with a contaminated instrument or surface
- Contact of mucosa of the eyes, nose or mouth with droplets or
spatter
- Inhalation of airborne microorganisms
Speaker Notes
Dental patients and DHCP may be exposed to a variety of disease-causing microorganisms that are present in the mouth and respiratory tract. These organisms may be transmitted in dental settings through several routes, including:
- Intact or non-intact skin in direct contact with blood, oral fluids,
or other potentially infectious patient materials.
- Indirect contact with a contaminated object (e.g., instruments,
operatory equipment, or environmental surfaces).
- Contact of mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth with droplets
(e.g., spatter) containing microorganisms generated (e.g., coughing,
sneezing, talking) from an infected person and propelled a short
distance.
- Inhalation of airborne microorganisms that can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time.
Page last reviewed: September 22, 2009
Page last modified: April 26, 2005
Content source:
Division of Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
