INFECTION CONTROL UPDATE 2016 is presented by three leaders in the field, offering an in-depth look at various key topics relevant to general dental practitioners, dental auxiliaries and dental team members. Keynote presenters Professor Laurence Walsh, Professor Lakshman Samaranayake and A/Professor Neil Savage combine to present this essential update. A diverse range of aspects will be covered including recent developments in infection control guidelines and implications for clinical practice. This event will be held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel, Brisbane CBD, Queensland on Friday the 17th of July 2016. For further event details & registration brochure contact the Queensland Dental Group on +61 7 3839 8000 or email ce@qldentalg.com.au.

PRESENTATION TOPICS:

Session #1 presented by: Associate Professor Neil Savage

• basic concepts in infection control including vectors of transmission
• the general health care setting versus the dental health care setting
• community infectious diseases and the emergence of resistant bacteria

• emerging concerns with tuberculosis
• specific pathogens of concern in the head and neck area
• managing infections in immune compromised and oncology patients
• the tangible benefits of practice accreditation
• making the change to handcare and hand hygiene protocols Oral health and potential implications on general health

Session #2 presented by: Professor Lakshman Samaranayake

• the importance of a team approach for infection control
• changing patient and staff attitudes to infection control – some perspectives from overseas
• emerging challenges of viral influenza, avian flu, Ebola & SARS & other respiratory infections
• an update on bloodborne viral diseases and their importance in dentistry
• current therapeutic approaches for managing viral hepatitis
• disinfection and antisepsis in clinical dentistry
• management of sharps injuries and other exposure incidents

Session #3 presented by: Professor Laurence Walsh

• common errors with wearing personal protective equipment
• effective change-over between practices
• the concept of pre-cleaning
• correct use of disposable items
• rationalizing surface management and the use of barriers
• endodontic files and their unique challenges for reprocessing
• the impact of new national & ACSQHC standards on instrument reprocessing

Session #4 presented by: Professor Laurence Walsh

• the move to mechanical cleaning
• how instrument cassettes can improve efficiency
• deciding what items to package and how
• the logic of batch control identification for instrument sets
• correct storage of sterilized instruments
• identifying when items have been steam sterilized
• correct use of physical and chemical indicators
• data recording requirements for the sterilizing room
• examples of best practice in “back of house” instrument reprocessing