Reference/Features

How to create a sterile field: The dental nurses’ role

8 mins read Risk management
Implants can fail if they become infected, so dental nurses must create a sterile field and follow other precautions to prevent cross-infection. Claire Crabb describes the roles of the dental nurses involved in this process

A sterile field is an area that is free from live bacteria or other microorganisms. Asepsis prevents this area from coming into contact with microorganisms. It is the dental nurse's role to use aseptic technique to create a sterile area before implant placement. This is to prevent infection that may lead to implant failure.

There is no agreed standard method for how this should be achieved—but the days of completely covering patients’ faces and swabbing them with iodine have been generally replaced with an emphasis on a ‘sterile/clean’ technique (Scharf and Tarnow, 1993) (Figure 1).

Figure 1.Dental scrub nurse assisting dentist during implant placement in a sterile area

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Nursing and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month

  • New content available

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here