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Infection Prevention Strategies and Universal Precautions - Coggle Diagram
Infection Prevention Strategies and Universal Precautions
Surface and equipment asepsis
Sequence of asepsis
Cleaning: Removes debris that can interfere with disinfectants.
Disinfection: Destroys most pathogenic microorganisms.
Sterilization: Eliminates all microbial life including spores.
Categories of Dental Instruments
Critical Instruments
Penetrate soft tissue or bone (e.g., forceps, scalpels, scalers).
Must be cleaned and sterilized after each use.
Sterilization via autoclave, dry heat, or chemical vapor.
Noncritical Instruments
Contact intact skin (e.g., X-ray heads).
Require intermediate- or low-level disinfection depending on contamination risk.
Semicritical Instruments
Contact oral tissues without penetrating them.
Should be sterilized or disinfected with high-level EPA-registered agents.
Aseptic protocols
Pre-procedure Preparation
Assess patient’s condition and infection risk.
Perform hand hygiene before contact.
Prepare sterile instruments, materials, and equipment.
Ensure PPE (gloves, masks, eyewear, gown) is worn correctly.
Establish a sterile field and organize sterile instruments.
Procedure Execution
Use only sterile instruments within the sterile field.
Avoid contact with non-sterile surfaces.
Maintain PPE use (change gloves between patients).
Use rubber dams, high-volume evacuators, and pre-procedure mouth rinses to minimize aerosols.
Replace contaminated or non-sterile items immediately.
Post-procedure Practices
Dispose of sharps and waste materials safely.
Clean and disinfect all surfaces and equipment.
Remove PPE correctly to avoid contamination.
Document procedure outcomes and report any exposure incidents.
Participate in continuous education and asepsis audits for compliance.
Sharp injuries
Reporting Incidents
Document all exposure details using a BBFE Incident Report Form.
Notify designated medical or occupational health contacts for further assessment.
Immediate Response
Wash the wound with soap and water, flush mucous membranes with sterile saline, and cover with waterproof dressing.
Wear gloves when managing the injury and place any specimens in biohazard bags.
Safe Handling Practices
Handle needles, scalpels, and other sharps carefully using puncture-resistant trays or containers.
Avoid recapping, bending, or removing contaminated needles manually.
Use safety devices and dispose of sharps immediately in approved containers.
Waste management
Proper Disposal Methods
Infectious waste should be treated (autoclaved or incinerated) according to local regulations.
Sharps must be discarded in puncture-resistant, labeled containers.
Environmentally safe methods like autoclaving or microwaving are preferred over incineration.
Training Staff
All dental personnel must receive training on safe waste handling and disposal.
Regular audits and monitoring systems ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
Segregation of Waste
Proper segregation prevents contamination and exposure risks.
Waste in dental settings should be categorized into general, infectious, sharps, and chemical waste.
Cross contamination between work and home
Education
Teach hygiene importance during work-home transition.
Changing Uniforms
Launder uniforms separately at high temperatures.
Remove work attire before leaving the clinic.
Footwear
Keep clinical shoes within the workplace.
Facilities
Remove PPE before entering non-clinical areas.
At Home
Keep work-related items separate.
Shower immediately after arriving home.
Practice strict hand hygiene upon entry.
Maintain clean kitchens and food separation habits.