Infection Control and Prevention in Dentistry - Study Slides PDF

Dr. Yehia Essam, BDS  What is infection control? Infection control refers to the practices, procedures, and policies designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) within healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities. It aims to...

Dr. Yehia Essam, BDS  What is infection control? Infection control refers to the practices, procedures, and policies designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) within healthcare settings, workplaces, and communities. It aims to protect both healthcare providers and patients from acquiring and transmitting infections..  Who decides the regulations and protocols of infection control? Global and Regional Organizations 1.World Health Organization (WHO) 2.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 3.American Dental Association (ADA) Local Organizations 1.Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) 2.Department of Health (DOH) 3.Dubai Health Authority (DHA)  Routes of Transmission in Dental Settings: Bloodborne Route Transmission through exposure to infected blood or body fluids (Hep B, Hep C, HIV). Salivary Route Contact with saliva that may contain infectious pathogens (HSV, CMV). Aerosol and Droplet Route Generated during high-speed handpiece use, ultrasonic scaling, or air-water syringes. Contact Route Touching contaminated instruments, surfaces, or hands and transferring the pathogen to mucous membranes or skin.  Most common diseases that could be transmitted in a dental setting:- Bloodborne Transmission Hepatitis B (HBV) Hepatitis C (HCV) HIV/AIDS Salivary Transmission Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Candidiasis (e.g., Candida albicans)  Most common diseases that could be transmitted in a dental setting:- Aerosol and Droplet Transmission Tuberculosis (TB) Influenza COVID-19  Standard Precautions and Methods of Preventing Infection and Cross- Contamination: Hand Hygiene Regular handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs before and after patient contact. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves, masks, protective eyewear, face shields, and gowns to prevent exposure to blood, saliva, and other body fluids.  Standard Precautions and Methods of Preventing Infection and Cross- Contamination: Instrument Sterilization Cleaning, sterilizing, and maintaining all reusable instruments. Cleaning and Disinfection Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment between patients.  Standard Precautions and Methods of Preventing Infection and Cross- Contamination: Safe Disposal of Sharps Proper disposal of sharp instruments, needles, syringes, blades in the sharps container “A study involving 289 dentists and 104 dental assistants in Florianópolis, Brazil, found that 94.5% of dentists and 80.8% of dental assistants reported occupational exposures to potentially infectious materials over their professional lives. In the year preceding the study, both groups reported similar exposure rates of approximately 39%. Notably, percutaneous injuries were more frequent among dental assistants (95.2%) compared to dentists (60.7%)” Garcia, L.P. and Blank, V.L.G. (2006) ‘Prevalência de exposições ocupacionais de cirurgiões-dentistas e auxiliares de consultório dentário a material biológico’, Cadernos de Saúde Pública, 22(1), pp. 97–108. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-311x2006000100011.  Research indicates that dental health workers (DHW) are at increased risk of acquiring occupational infections. A study analyzing data from a German accident insurance company reported 271 claims of occupational diseases among DHWs from 2006 to 2019, with 112 confirmed cases, averaging eight per year. Malsam, R. and Nienhaus, A. (2021) ‘Occupational Infections among Dental Health Workers in Germany—14-Year Time Trends’, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(19), p. 10128. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910128.  The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that needlestick injuries contribute to 37% of hepatitis B, 39% of hepatitis C, and 4.4% of HIV infections among healthcare workers. The prevalence of acute hepatitis B infection among health workers globally is 5.3%. Approximately 54% of health workers in low- and middle-income countries have latent tuberculosis infections. Occupational infections www.who.int. Available at: http s://www.who.int/tools/occupational-hazards-in-