You will learn about instrument decontamination in dental practices, and to ensure safe, effective, and validated processes (including biological indicators) for instrument decontamination to ensure patient safety.
1. General principles:
- Follow guidelines and manufacturer instructions
- Use validated decontamination cycles
- Implement proper PPE and hand hygiene
- Ensure unidirectional workflow from dirty to clean areas
2. Cleaning methods:
- Instrument washer disinfectors (best practice)
- Ultrasonic cleaners
- Manual cleaning (least preferred)
3. Sterilization:
- Class B (pre-vacuum) autoclaves are most effective
- Proper packaging and labeling of instruments
- Validation and testing of equipment is crucial
4. Key considerations:
- Proper cleaning of handpieces
- Avoiding overloading of equipment
- Maintaining records and documentation
- Regular audits and maintenance
5. COVID-19 impacts:
- Increased focus on infection control
- New pre-sterilization phase in some autoclaves to target viruses
6. Common errors:
- Operator errors more common than equipment failures
- Importance of proper training and understanding protocols
Local regulations can vary between countries and regions.