Infection control

• What is a risk associated with aerosol generating procedures in dental health care?

  Increased risk of virus transmission
• Why are dental practitioners at risk for infection?

  Due to sharp tools and blood presence
• Which bloodborne pathogens are dental practitioners at risk for?

  Hepatitis B, C, and HIV
• What viruses are primarily related to cross-transmission risks in dentistry?

  HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV
• How can oral secreta pose a risk in herpes virus infections?

  They can be infectious in the sub-clinical phase
• How can viruses be transmitted in dental surgeries?

  Through blood, saliva, or infected materials
• What is a method of direct contact transmission for blood-borne viruses?

  Needle sticks or sharp instrument injuries
• Why should saliva from all patients be treated as potentially infectious?

  It may contain infectious agents
• What can become contaminated in indirect contact transmission?

  Dental instruments and environmental surfaces
• How can airborne microorganisms pose a risk in dental surgeries?

  They can be inhaled from contaminated air
• What are the key prevention methods in dental surgeries to control virus transmission?

  • Sterilization of equipment
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Application of disinfectants on surfaces
  • Efficient ventilation systems
• What are the stages of the decontamination procedure for dental instruments?

  1. Preparation: Prepare instruments for decontamination
  2. Cleaning: Remove debris from instruments
  3. Disinfection or sterilization: Reduce pathogens to safe levels
  4. Storage: Store instruments safely
• What method uses sound waves to clean dental instruments?

  Ultrasonic cleaning
• What is the preferred method for cleaning and disinfecting instruments?

  Washer disinfector
• What is the optimum temperature for washer disinfectors?

  45-55°C
• What is the preferred temperature band for sterilisation?

  134ºC to 137ºC
• What pressure is associated with sterilisation at 134ºC?

  Approximately 2 Bar
• What is the minimum holding time for sterilisation at 134ºC?

  Three minutes
• What is the difference between disinfection and sterilisation?

  Disinfection destroys bacteria; sterilisation eliminates all microorganisms
• What legislation introduced a statutory duty on healthcare providers regarding infection control?

  • The Health and Social Care Act 2008
  • Revised in 2015
  • Code of Practice on Healthcare Associated Infections
• What improvements are needed to demonstrate best practice in decontamination procedures?

  • Regular training for staff
  • Updated equipment and technology
  • Strict adherence to protocols
  • Continuous monitoring and evaluation
• How can infectious agents be transmitted in a dental setting?

  By inhalation, injection, ingestion, or contact
• What is the aim of infection prevention and control measures in dental surgery?

  To minimize transmission of pathogenic agents
• Which viruses are specifically mentioned as relevant in dental infection control?

  Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV
• What is a virus in the context of dental health?

  A disease-causing agent posing risks to patients
• What measures are taken to create a clean environment in dental surgery?

  Wearing gloves and masks, cleaning bays
• What must all dental professionals be vaccinated against?

  Common illnesses and hepatitis B
• Why should eye protection be worn during dental treatment?

  To prevent splatter entering the eyes
• How should goggles or visors be managed between patients?

  Single use or cleaned with disinfectant wipes
• Why should clinicians keep their nails short?

  To reduce bacterial colonization under nails
• What hygiene practices should be followed upon entering the clinical setting?

  Hand hygiene with sanitizer and soap
• How is the dental environment maintained between patients?

  Wiped down with disinfectant wipes
• What is done to instruments after use in a dental environment?

  Washer disinfector and autoclave used
• At what temperature do disinfectors operate to remove blood?

  45-55°C
• What temperature is held to inactivate hepatitis B virus?

  90°C
• What happens to single-use items after use?

  They are disposed of after use
• What is the sterilization temperature and cycle time for vacuum autoclaves?

  134°C for 45 minutes
• What types of instruments does the vacuum autoclave sterilize?

  Tube-like instruments such as handpieces
• How are instruments kept sterile until use?

  They are packaged until use
• What type of masks are worn during treatment?

  Clinical grade masks to protect from splatter