Covers how microorganisms pass between patients and dental staff, and the chain of infection that control measures aim to break. It then looks at occupational risk in dentistry and the main infectious agents, including their survival times on surfaces. The note also sets out standard precautions, the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation, a three-tier instrument classification (critical, semi-critical, non-critical), the instrument processing cycle and environmental measures for the surgery.
Inside: 16 sections · 6 flashcards · 3 min
Topic 33 of 38 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Dental Public Health (Dental Medicine, Year 3). The free AceMed note covers it in 16 sections, about 365 words (3 min of reading), with 6 flashcards.
In this note
Definition
Chain of Infection
Occupational Risk in Dentistry
Important Infectious Agents
Important Facts
Standard Precautions
Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilisation
Cleaning
Disinfection
Sterilisation
Instrument Classification
Critical Instruments
Semi-critical Instruments
Non-critical Instruments
Instrument Processing Cycle
Environmental Infection Control
Definition
Cross-infection = transfer of microorganisms from one person/object to another.
May occur: – Patient – Dentist
Dentist – Patient
Patient – Patient
Via contaminated instruments, surfaces or aerosols.
Main goal = break the chain of infection.
Chain of Infection
Source/reservoir of microorganisms.
Route of transmission: Direct contact, Indirect contact, Blood, Saliva, Aerosols or Contaminated instruments/surfaces.
Susceptible host.
Infection occurs when all links are present.
Infection control works by breaking one or more links.
Occupational Risk in Dentistry
High risk due to: – Blood – Saliva – Aerosols – Sharp instruments Close patient contact.
Risk influenced by: – PPE use – Immune status – Stage of disease Severity of injury.
Important Infectious Agents
Hepatitis B (greatest occupational risk). – Hepatitis C.
