Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) evidence-based recommendations guide infection control practices in dental offices nationally and globally; provide direction for the public, dental health care personnel (DHCP) and policymakers; and affect technology development in the dental industry.
CDC DentalCheck is developed directly from the Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings. DHCP can use this app to periodically assess practices in their facility and ensure they are meeting the minimum expectations for safe care. The infection prevention coordinator and other staff trained in infection prevention are encouraged to use this app at least annually to assess the status of their administrative policies and practices, and engage in direct observation of personnel and patient-care practices.
While the information included in this app reflects existing evidence-based guidelines produced by the CDC, it is not intended as a replacement for more extensive guidelines.
Key Features
• Check Yes/No to acknowledge compliance with a list of administrative policies or observed practices
• Summary of basic infection prevention principles and recommendations for dental health care settings
• Ability to export results for records management
Provides links to full guidelines and source documents that users can reference for more detailed background and recommendations.
Introduction
CDC DentalCheck is an essential tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the oral health status of individuals aged 2 years and older. This comprehensive examination provides valuable information about the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health conditions.
Procedure
The CDC DentalCheck examination involves a thorough inspection of the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. The dentist or dental hygienist will use a dental mirror and explorer to examine the teeth for signs of decay, such as cavities or cracks. They will also check for any abnormalities in the gums, such as swelling, redness, or bleeding.
Assessment
The results of the CDC DentalCheck examination are categorized into different levels of severity:
* No Decay or Periodontal Disease: The individual has no signs of dental caries or periodontal disease.
* Early Childhood Caries (ECC): For children under age 6, this indicates the presence of one or more cavities.
* Untreated Decay: The individual has one or more untreated cavities.
* Treated Decay: The individual has one or more cavities that have been filled or restored.
* Gingivitis: The gums are inflamed and may bleed during brushing or flossing.
* Periodontitis: The gums are severely inflamed and have receded from the teeth, creating pockets of infection.
Significance
The CDC DentalCheck examination plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. By identifying dental problems early on, individuals can take appropriate measures to prevent further damage and improve their overall oral health. The results of the examination can also guide treatment decisions and help individuals develop personalized oral hygiene plans.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the CDC DentalCheck examination, the dentist or dental hygienist may provide recommendations for further treatment or preventive care. These may include:
* Regular dental checkups and cleanings
* Fluoride treatments
* Sealants
* Fillings or restorations
* Gum disease treatment
* Oral hygiene instructions
Conclusion
CDC DentalCheck is an invaluable tool for assessing oral health status and maintaining good oral hygiene. By providing a comprehensive examination and accurate assessment, it empowers individuals to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions about their treatment options. Regular CDC DentalCheck examinations are essential for ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile throughout life.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) evidence-based recommendations guide infection control practices in dental offices nationally and globally; provide direction for the public, dental health care personnel (DHCP) and policymakers; and affect technology development in the dental industry.
CDC DentalCheck is developed directly from the Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings. DHCP can use this app to periodically assess practices in their facility and ensure they are meeting the minimum expectations for safe care. The infection prevention coordinator and other staff trained in infection prevention are encouraged to use this app at least annually to assess the status of their administrative policies and practices, and engage in direct observation of personnel and patient-care practices.
While the information included in this app reflects existing evidence-based guidelines produced by the CDC, it is not intended as a replacement for more extensive guidelines.
Key Features
• Check Yes/No to acknowledge compliance with a list of administrative policies or observed practices
• Summary of basic infection prevention principles and recommendations for dental health care settings
• Ability to export results for records management
Provides links to full guidelines and source documents that users can reference for more detailed background and recommendations.
Introduction
CDC DentalCheck is an essential tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the oral health status of individuals aged 2 years and older. This comprehensive examination provides valuable information about the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health conditions.
Procedure
The CDC DentalCheck examination involves a thorough inspection of the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. The dentist or dental hygienist will use a dental mirror and explorer to examine the teeth for signs of decay, such as cavities or cracks. They will also check for any abnormalities in the gums, such as swelling, redness, or bleeding.
Assessment
The results of the CDC DentalCheck examination are categorized into different levels of severity:
* No Decay or Periodontal Disease: The individual has no signs of dental caries or periodontal disease.
* Early Childhood Caries (ECC): For children under age 6, this indicates the presence of one or more cavities.
* Untreated Decay: The individual has one or more untreated cavities.
* Treated Decay: The individual has one or more cavities that have been filled or restored.
* Gingivitis: The gums are inflamed and may bleed during brushing or flossing.
* Periodontitis: The gums are severely inflamed and have receded from the teeth, creating pockets of infection.
Significance
The CDC DentalCheck examination plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. By identifying dental problems early on, individuals can take appropriate measures to prevent further damage and improve their overall oral health. The results of the examination can also guide treatment decisions and help individuals develop personalized oral hygiene plans.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the CDC DentalCheck examination, the dentist or dental hygienist may provide recommendations for further treatment or preventive care. These may include:
* Regular dental checkups and cleanings
* Fluoride treatments
* Sealants
* Fillings or restorations
* Gum disease treatment
* Oral hygiene instructions
Conclusion
CDC DentalCheck is an invaluable tool for assessing oral health status and maintaining good oral hygiene. By providing a comprehensive examination and accurate assessment, it empowers individuals to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions about their treatment options. Regular CDC DentalCheck examinations are essential for ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile throughout life.
