Infection Control in Dental Practice

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms and definitions related to infection control in dental practice.

Standard Precautions

Baseline infection-control measures that must be followed for every patient, regardless of perceived infection status.

FDI Recommendations

Guidelines issued by the World Dental Federation urging oral-health professionals to comply with local infection-control standards.

Safety Needles and Scalpels

Sharps engineered with protective mechanisms that reduce the risk of percutaneous injury.

Barrier Packaging

Sterile wrapping or pouches used to keep instruments uncontaminated until the moment of use.

Single-Use Instruments

Devices intended for one patient only when heat sterilization is impossible or impractical.

Surface Disinfection

Chemical decontamination of exposed work surfaces between patients to prevent cross-infection.

Prosthetic Laboratory Disinfection

Procedures for cleaning and disinfecting devices, impressions, and instruments entering or leaving the dental lab.

Disposable Covers

Protector sheets or sleeves placed over items like suction tubes and paperwork, replaced after each patient.

Biopsy Specimen Handling

Placing tissue samples in leak-proof containers to avoid exposure or spill of potentially infectious materials.

Hand Hygiene

Thorough washing with pH-neutral liquid soap or use of alcohol gels before donning and after removing gloves.

Alcoholic Hand Gel

An alcohol-based rub used as an alternative to soap and water for rapid hand decontamination.

Protective Eyewear with Side-Shields

Safety glasses that guard the operator’s eyes from splatter and aerosols during procedures.

Protective Clinical Attire

Masks, gowns, and other clothing worn to shield skin and garments from contamination.

Vaccination (Dental Staff)

Immunizations recommended for oral-health professionals at risk of infectious exposure.

Post-Exposure Protocol

Steps for evaluating and managing occupational contact with blood-borne pathogens.

Mandatory Diagnostic Testing

Required medical tests when signs or symptoms suggest a possible infectious disease.

Uniforms (Clinical)

Work clothing that should be changed regularly and when visibly soiled.

Gowns or Aprons

Outer garments donned during procedures likely to cause blood or fluid splashing.

Hand Protection Gloves

Disposable gloves worn for any contact with blood, saliva, or mucous membranes and changed between patients.

Adhesive Waterproof Dressings

Coverings placed over cuts or abrasions on hands or wrists to create a protective barrier.

Aerosol Spatter Protection

Use of masks, face shields, or glasses to guard against airborne droplets produced by dental devices.

One-Hand Scoop Technique

Method of recapping needles by guiding the needle into a lying cap to avoid two-handed contact.

Inoculation Injury First Aid

Immediate bleeding and washing of a puncture wound followed by medical evaluation.

Autoclave

Steam sterilizer used for instruments that penetrate tissues or contact bone.

Hot Air Sterilizer

Dry-heat device used to sterilize heat-resistant instruments when steam is unsuitable.

Instrument Zoning

Organizing the operatory into clean and contaminated areas to limit cross-contamination.

70% Ethyl Alcohol

Common surface disinfectant applied between sessions on work areas.

Puncture-Proof Container

Rigid, leak-resistant box used for disposal of sharps like needles and scalpels.

Medical Waste Red Bag

Color-coded receptacle for infectious waste to be sealed and disposed of by regulation.

Non-Infective Waste Black Bag

Thick plastic sack designated for ordinary, non-hazardous refuse.

Liquid Waste Disposal

Pouring fluids carefully into a drain and flushing with water to prevent splash contamination.

Flushing Dental Handpieces

Running water through detachable handpieces, scalers, and syringe tips for 30 s before cleaning and sterilization.

Clean Instrument Storage

Placing sterilized instruments in covered, uncontaminated containers until use.