infection control

Question 1

outline the chain of infection mechanism

Answer 1

1. causative agent
2. reservoir
3. portal of exit
4. means of transmission
5. portal of entry
6. susceptible host

Question 2

distinguish between AGBs and AGPs

Answer 2

AGBs
aerosol generating behaviour
eg speaking, coughing, sneezing

AGPs
aerosol generating procedures
eg triplex, USC and drills form spray

Question 2

list the nature of complaints about dentists to the regulator

Answer 2

1. poor quality tx / outcome
   1a. other
2. injury/infection
3. inappropriate tx choice
4. inappropriate charging
5. incorrect/missed dx
6. poor cosmetic result
7. infection control
8. pain

complaints to DBA of AHPRA

Question 3

outline why infection control is crucial and how it is regulated by the DBA

Answer 3

• central to providing high quality health care
• safe environmental for staff
• prevent transmission of BBVs [hep b + c, HIV]

dentists need to test for BBVS every 3 years as working with exposure prone procedures
- risk of injury resulting in exp of pt open tx - occur when hands are in contact w sharp instruments and tissue inside pt body.

DBA outlines infection control standards through
1. infection prevention and control fact sheet
2. self-reflective tool

furthermore, DBA registration condition incl
- CPD
- pro indemnity insurance

Question 4

list other documents which outline infection control standards

Answer 4

1. NHMRC document
2. standards aus AS 5369:2023 doc
3. national hang hygiene initiative [NHHI]
4. aus immunisation handbook

all summed up in ADA infection control handbook

Question 5

outline standard precautions in infection control

Answer 5

minimum infection prevnetion practices that applies to all pt regardless of suspected/confirmed health status

eg
hand hygiene
respiratory hygiene
PPE
aseptic techniques
sharps handling
cleaning and disinfection
waste disposal

Question 6

list PPE’s and describe their reqs

Answer 6

1. gloves
2. mask
   - can block 95% of microorganisms
   - ensure mask is adapted to face
3. eyewear
   - need sto protect orbit + side shielded
4. protective clothing
   - dental coats + scrubs
   - layering approach to ensure street clothes becoming contaminated and transferring microorganisms home
   - must be removed before meals and leaving practice

Question 6

list the purpose and 5 moments of hand hygiene

Answer 6

handwashing = single most effect infection prevention strategy
- either by alcohol based hand rub [ABHR] apprived by TGA
or soap 20-30sec

prevent transmission of microorganisms on contaminated objects/sufaces between pratitioners, staff and patients

in conjunction w standard protocols
- short nails
- BBE [bare below elbows]

1. before touching pt
2. before procedure
3. after procedure/body fluid exposure risk
4. after touching pt
5. after touching surroundings

Question 6

distinguish aseptic techniques from surgical aseptic techniques

Answer 6

standard
1. hang hygiene
2. PPE
3. gloves
4. clean surfaces
5. sterile instruments
6. reprocessing RMDs between pts

surgical
- surgical hand prep
- sterile gloves
- appropriate gown
- hair covered/ties back
- sterile drapes
- sterile irrigants
- RMDs = sterile w batch control ID
- trained staff

Question 7

outline the spauliding classification

Answer 7

critical
penetrate sterile tx/bloodstream
eg forceps, elevators, flap retractors, surg burs, instruments used in placement of implants

semi critical
contact w oral mucosa or non intact skin
eg mirror, resto instruments, curing light, tweezers, probe
[dont need to be sterile at point of use, but clean and dry]

non critical
contact w skin
eg protective eyewear, bib chains

Question 8

list types of airborne bacterias

Answer 8

1. measles
2. chickenpox [varicella]
3. mycobacterium tubercolosis
4. avian influenza, SARS, COVID