No pointing fingers....only open hearts

For me, this is a challenging post to share. By now, most everyone in the dental profession has heard of the recent infection control break down in the Tulsa Oklahoma Oral Surgeon’s dental office where over 7000 patients may have been infected with HIV, Hepatitis B and/ or C. Sadly, this isn’t the first situation in which devastating consequences have occurred because of human error. I’d like it to be the last though!

What I’ve learned, first and for most, is to not pass judgment but rather to learn from circumstances. I like reminding myself when judgment and criticism creep into my thoughts and I begin to point a finger, there are actually 3 of my own fingers pointing right back at me. Seriously, stop and try this. With your index finger, point at your computer screen and then look at your hand. Notice the 3 fingers pointing right back at you? I rest my case.

So what have I learned from the tragedy in Tulsa:

Do not, even for sustainability efforts, reuse single use items. Follow the recommended use for your dental supplies. If you are not the expert in that product manufacturing, you must learn to follow the expert’s recommendations.  Just keep it simple. Do not reuse single use items.

Follow the law. If you are not licensed to perform a dental procedure, then don’t do it. Use the end result of this case to share with your employer if you are asked to perform a service you are not licensed or qualified to perform. On the flip side of this coin, if you are licensed to perform a needed procedure, but do not feel qualified, then seek out continuing education on this matter.

No matter what the cost, do not utilize broken instruments or unreliable sterilization equipment. Believe me, I am the queen of “waste not, want not” but we all must have strong boundaries when it comes to the sterilization chain. The sustainability model we strive to recognize believes in people, planet and profit. Notice that the word “people” is placed first in this phrase and profit is last. While I respect and acknowledge the reality of profits, one must never place human life behind the component of profit. Keep your instruments up to date. Keep your sterilization equipment current and regularly tested. If you don’t already test for the effectiveness of this equipment, call your local dental school and ask for assistance. There is guidance and help available.

Challenge yourself and other team members to evaluate your infection control procedures. We are human, we are not perfect. I don’t believe anyone  purposes to cause harm to those we are serving but we can become blinded to our automatic routines. So sit down and discuss your sterilization techniques with your team members. Leave fear at the door. Leave criticism at the door.  Help each other out. Don’t let this tragedy in Tulsa be a wasted learning opportunity.

Let our actions be an offering of support to the victims and employees suffering through the unknown outcomes of this event.

No pointing fingers... just open hearts.