Dental Instrument Processing Chapter 21

Questions and Answers

What are the seven steps involved in processing dental instruments?

Transport, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, delivery, quality

Which of the following are the three most common methods of heat sterilization?

Radiation sterilization

Dry heat sterilization (correct)

Chemical vapor sterilization (correct)

Steam sterilization (correct)

What precautions should be taken when materials are packaged for sterilization?

Use only the type of packaging material designed for the particular method of sterilization you're using.

What are the steps for sterilizing the high-speed dental hand piece?

Wipe visible debris, remove bur, drain and ultrasonically clean if needed, scrub with soap and water if not, lubricate if needed, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and ensure it is clean and dry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between process indicators and process integrators?

Process indicators identify instrument packs that have been exposed to a certain temperature, while process integrators respond to pressure, temperature, and time. Signup and view all the answers

When and how is biological monitoring done?

Biological monitoring is done weekly to determine whether sterilization has occurred and confirm that all bacteria and endospores have been killed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of flash sterilization?

Unwrapped instruments are no longer sterile once they are removed from the sterilizer and before they are used on the next patient. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three forms of sterilization monitoring?

Chemical Signup and view all the answers

How can sterilization failures occur?

Improper instrument cleaning or packaging and sterilizer malfunction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of liquid chemical sterilants?

They require a 10-hour contact time; anything shorter results in disinfection, not sterilization. Signup and view all the answers

What classifications are used to determine the type of processing for instruments?

Critical, semi-critical, and noncritical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a holding solution before instrument processing?

To prevent the drying of blood and debris on instruments. Signup and view all the answers

What safety precautions should be taken when operating an ultrasonic cleaner?

Puncture-resistant utility gloves, a mask, protective eyewear, and a protective gown should always be worn. Signup and view all the answers

What are the CDC guidelines for sterilization and disinfection of patient care items?

Clean and heat sterilize critical dental instruments before each use; allow packages to dry. Signup and view all the answers

What are the CDC guidelines for cleaning and decontamination of instruments?

Minimize handling of loose contaminated instruments during transport; clean all visible blood and contamination before sterilization; wear appropriate PPE. Signup and view all the answers

What are the CDC guidelines for preparation and packaging of instruments for sterilization?

Use an internal chemical indicator and inspect for cleanliness. Signup and view all the answers

________ means that it is assumed the contents of a package will remain sterile indefinitely unless the packaging is compromised.

Event related packaging Signup and view all the answers

__________ is OSHA's newer term for material data sheets.

Safety data sheets Signup and view all the answers

The __________ is a type of sterilizer that uses moist heat under pressure.

Autoclave Signup and view all the answers

__________ are vials or strips, also known as spore tests, that contain harmless bacterial spores used to determine whether a sterilizer is operating.

Biological indicators Signup and view all the answers

The ___________ is a type of sterilizer that uses hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure.

Chemical vapor sterilizer Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Processing Dental Instruments

Seven steps in processing: transport, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, storage, delivery, quality.

Heat Sterilization Methods

Three common methods: steam sterilization, chemical vapor sterilization, dry heat sterilization. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Precautions for Sterilization Packaging

Use packaging material specifically designed for the chosen sterilization method to ensure effectiveness.

High-Speed Dental Handpiece Sterilization Steps

Wipe visible debris with the handpiece attached to the hose.
Remove bur and detach the handpiece from the hose.
If ultrasonic cleaning is needed, drain debris, reattach the hose, and operate.
For non-ultrasonic cleaning, scrub with soap and water.
If lubrication is required, remove debris and lubricants.
Avoid cleaners with lubrication if no lube is used.
Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning.
Reattach handpiece and remove excess lube with a cotton tip.
Ensure handpiece is clean and dry before use.

Process Indicators vs. Process Integrators

Process indicators show packs exposed to a certain temperature.
Process integrators, placed inside packs, respond to multiple conditions: pressure, temperature, and time.

Biological Monitoring

Confirms effective sterilization by ensuring all bacteria and endospores are killed.
Recommended frequency: weekly.

Flash Sterilization

Primary advantage: unwrapped instruments risk sterility loss upon removal from the sterilizer before patient use.

Forms of Sterilization Monitoring

Physical: monitoring sterilizer gauges for temperature, pressure, and time.
Chemical: heat-sensitive chemicals that change color under specific conditions.
Biological: verifies successful sterilization processes.

Causes of Sterilization Failures

Common issues: improper cleaning of instruments, inadequate packaging, and sterilizer malfunction.

Liquid Chemical Sterilants Limitations

Require a prolonged contact time of 10 hours; shorter times only provide disinfection, not full sterilization.

Instrument Classification

Three classifications: critical (high risk), semi-critical (moderate risk), and noncritical (low risk), influencing processing methods.

Holding Solution Purpose

Prevents drying of blood and debris on instruments prior to processing, ensuring effective cleaning.

Ultrasonic Cleaner Safety Precautions

Essential protective gear: puncture-resistant gloves, mask, protective eyewear, and gown.

CDC Guidelines for Sterilization and Disinfection

Clean and heat sterilize critical dental instruments before use.
Allow sterilization packages to dry completely before handling.

CDC Guidelines for Cleaning and Decontamination

Reduce handling of contaminated instruments during transport.
Clean visible contamination before sterilization.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during cleaning.

CDC Guidelines for Instrument Preparation and Packaging

Utilize internal chemical indicators for monitoring.
Perform cleanliness inspections before sterilization.

Suggests that package contents remain sterile indefinitely unless packaging is compromised.

OSHA Terminology Update

"Safety data sheets" is the updated term for material data sheets.

Autoclave Definition

A sterilizer using moist heat under pressure, commonly employed in dental settings.

Biological Indicator Definition

Vials or strips containing harmless spores to test sterilizer function and effectiveness.

Chemical Vapor Sterilizer Definition

Utilizes hot formaldehyde vapors under pressure for sterilization processes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the seven essential steps in processing dental instruments with our Chapter 21 flashcards. This quiz also covers the three main methods of heat sterilization, including their advantages and disadvantages. Perfect for dental hygiene students looking to reinforce key concepts.