This one day course provides an overview of key areas in infection control in which there have been significant changes in recent years, summarising key elements of the current ADA and NHMRC Guidelines and Australian Standards. The course is suitable for all members of the dental team. It will be of particular benefit to those who have not undertaken a recent Infection Control course and who wish to update their knowledge of infection control issues.

Participants will gain an appreciation of how different strategies can be used to reduce risks, improve their knowledge of current protocols and their understanding of quality assurance processes in infection control, especially in the area of instrument reprocessing and sterilisation.

Topics include

• 2017 Update in development of guidelines and standards
• Risk-based precautions 
• Hand hygiene
• Respiratory protection and assessment of dental masks 
• Biofilm reduction strategies for dental unit water
• Management of endodontic instruments
• Efficiency-based measures to improve workflow in changeover and instrument reprocessing 
• Features and correct operation of steam sterilizers, including quality assurance measures 
• Batch identification of instruments 
• Analysis of failures in infection control – lessons from recent incidents of practice
• Requirement for record keeping

Learning Objectives

• The logic of risk-based precautions
• Best practice in hand-care practices
• Optimal use of personal protective equipment
• Dealing with dental unit waterline biofilms
• More effective and efficient in instrument reprocessing and patient changeover
• Correct use of batch control identification
• Office record keeping for sterilisation
• Optimal protocols for chemical and biological indicators.