INFECTION CONTROL PRINICIPLES

What is the primary purpose of infection control in dental settings?

To prevent the transmission of infectious agents between patients, dental staff, and the environment

What are standard precautions in dental practice?

Infection control measures applied to all patients, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), safe injection practices, and surface disinfection.

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for dental hygienists?

Gloves, masks, protective eyewear, face shields, and gowns when appropriate

How should hands be cleaned in dental settings?

Handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand rubs when hands are not visibly soiled

When should gloves be changed during dental procedures?

Between patients, when torn or contaminated, and after contact with contaminated surfaces

What is the difference between sterilisation and disinfection?

Sterilisation kills all forms of microbial life, including spores; disinfection eliminates most pathogens but may not destroy spores.

What are common methods of sterilization in dental practice?

Steam autoclave, dry heat, chemical vapor, and ethylene oxide gas

How should hand instruments be prepared for sterilization?

Cleaned thoroughly, decontaminated, packaged in sterilization pouches, and sterilized according to validated cycles

What is the purpose of autoclave biological indicators?

To confirm sterilization effectiveness by detecting surviving spores

How should surface disinfection be performed in a dental operatory?

Clean visible debris, then apply an EPA-registered disinfectant with proper contact time

What is the recommended procedure for handling sharps in dental settings?

Use safety-engineered devices, never recap needles by hand, dispose in puncture-resistant sharps containers

How should contaminated impressions or prosthetics be handled?

Rinse, disinfect with appropriate solution, and transport in sealed containers to the lab

What are critical instruments?

Penetrate soft tissue/bone (must be sterilized)

What are semi-critical instruments?

Contact mucous membranes (sterilize or high-level disinfect)

What are non-critical instruments?

Contact intact skin (clean and low-level disinfect)

How long can hepatitis B virus survive on environmental surfaces?

Up to 7 days, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection

How should dental unit waterlines be maintained to prevent biofilm formation?

Regular flushing, use of anti-biofilm agents, and periodic microbial testing to maintain <500 CFU/mL

What is the recommended hand hygiene before and after patient contact?

Before gloving and after removing gloves, perform handwashing or alcohol-based hand rub

How can airborne infection be minimised in dental settings?

Use high-volume evacuation, pre-procedural mouth rinses, masks, adequate ventilation, and rubber dams when possible

What is the role of pre-procedural mouth rinses?

Reduce microbial load in saliva and aerosols, commonly with chlorhexidine or essential oil rinses

How should dental hygienists manage patients with known infectious diseases?

Apply standard precautions, consider consultation with physicians if necessary, and schedule high-risk procedures at end of day if indicated

What is the proper method for cleaning and disinfecting impression trays?

Remove debris, rinse, disinfect with EPA-registered solution, rinse again, and dry before use

How should reusable handpieces be sterilised?

Clean external debris, follow manufacturer instructions, autoclave between patients

How does hand hygiene prevent cross-contamination in dental clinics?

Removes transient microbes acquired from patients or surfaces, reducing pathogen transmission

What are the key components of an infection control program in dental offices?

Written protocols, staff training, vaccination, PPE, sterilisation monitoring, and routine audits

How often should sterilisation equipment be tested for effectiveness?

Daily monitoring with chemical indicators, weekly testing with biological indicators

How should liquid chemical sterilant be used in dental practice?

For heat-sensitive instruments, immerse according to manufacturer instructions, rinse with sterile water, and store appropriately

How should spills of blood or bodily fluids be managed in a dental operatory?

Wear gloves, use absorbent material, clean with detergent, then disinfect with EPA-registered agent, and dispose of contaminated materials safely

What is the importance of vaccination for dental healthcare workers?

Protects against hepatitis B, influenza, and other communicable diseases, reducing occupational risk

How should reusable dental burs be processed between patients?

Clean, package, sterilize in autoclave, and ensure sterile storage until use

What is the procedure for managing needlestick injuries?

Wash the area, report the incident, assess exposure risk, initiate post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated, and document

How should dental clinics prevent tuberculosis transmission?

Screen patients, use standard precautions, maintain proper ventilation, use N95 respirators for suspected TB cases

What role does handwashing play in preventing influenza or respiratory infections in dental clinics?

Removes virus particles from hands, preventing self-inoculation and cross-contamination to patients and surfaces

How should dental personnel handle laundry contaminated with blood or saliva?

Wear gloves, transport in leak-proof bags, wash in hot water with detergent, and avoid shaking to minimize aerosolisation

What is the difference between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?

• Cleaning: Removes debris

• Disinfection: Kills most microorganisms

• Sterilisation: Destroys all microbial life including spores

How should ultrasonic cleaners be used safely in dental clinics?

Use PPE, follow manufacturer guidelines, ensure instruments are fully submerged, avoid splashing, and clean solution daily

How should high-touch surfaces (light handles, chair controls) be disinfected?

Wipe with EPA-registered disinfectant between patients, following contact time instructions

How often should dental unit waterlines be flushed?

At the beginning of the day, between patients, and end of day to reduce microbial contamination

How should dental staff manage patients with communicable viral infections like hepatitis C?

Apply standard precautions for all patients; additional scheduling precautions are generally unnecessary

How should sharps containers be maintained in a dental clinic?

Keep upright, accessible, not overfilled, and replace when ¾ full

What are the occupational hazards for dental personnel related to infection?

Blood-borne pathogens, respiratory infections, skin contact with chemicals, and exposure to aerosols

How should dental personnel manage broken instruments contaminated with blood?

Use gloves and forceps, place in puncture-resistant container, disinfect, and follow sterilization or disposal protocol

How should dental radiography equipment be disinfected?

Wipe control panels, handles, and exposure buttons with EPA-registered disinfectant; cover sensors and tubes with barriers

What is the importance of biofilm control in dental unit waterlines?

Prevents bacterial contamination that may cause patient infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals

How should dental personnel handle extracted teeth for educational or research purposes?

Clean thoroughly, store in disinfectant, avoid autoclaving unless allowed by protocol, and handle as potentially infectious material

How should handpieces be lubricated in infection control procedures?

Follow manufacturer’s instructions; lubricate before sterilization, ensure internal cleanliness, and avoid contamination

What is the role of infection control audits in dental practice?

Identify gaps, ensure compliance with protocols, improve safety, and reduce risk of cross-infection

How can cross-contamination be minimized between dental personnel and patients?

Proper hand hygiene, use of barriers, correct glove technique, sterilized instruments, and routine surface disinfection

How should dental personnel respond to a spill of a chemical disinfectant?

Evacuate area if needed, use PPE, follow spill kit instructions, ventilate, and dispose of contaminated materials safely

How should single-use items be managed in dental practice?

Use once and discard in appropriate biohazard containers; never reuse

How should dental personnel manage a patient with active tuberculosis needing urgent treatment?

Defer elective procedures, use airborne precautions, treat in negative pressure room if urgent, wear N95 respirator

What is the importance of infection control education for dental staff?

Ensures safe practice, protects patients and personnel, maintains compliance with regulations, and reduces risk of disease transmission