Disposable saliva ejectors—they seem simple enough, especially in comparison to all of the other products in your operatory. But when it comes to infection control and prevention, it’s always the finer details that matter a great deal.
“Keeping patients out of harm’s way means that sometimes we need to change the simple things we ask patients to do, and the simple tasks we perform,” writes Noel Kelsch, RDHP, for RDH Magazine. “These changes can help eliminate the possible risk of cross-contamination.”
While no adverse health effects associated with saliva ejectors have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies have shown there is risk involved. According to the CDC, backflow occurs when previously suctioned fluids present in the suction tubing flow back into the patient’s mouth.
