1 - Introduction to decontamination sciences

Question 1

Give an example of who within the dental practice may be designated as the “user”.

Answer 1

• dentist
• dental nurse

Question 2

What are the principles of the guidance around decontamination?

Answer 2

• facilities must comply with guidance
• correct equipment must be used and maintained
• clear roles and management
• clear process in line with MI

Question 3

What is the chain of infection?

Answer 3

• infectious agent
• reservoir
• portal of exit
• mode of transmission
• portal of entry
• susceptible host

Question 4

What is a virulence factor of pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 4

Polysaccharide capsule production

Question 5

What are endogenous sources of pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 5

• oral cavity
• hands

Question 6

What are exogenous sources of pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 6

• dental unit water lines
• suction system
• aerosol turbines/ultrasonics
• hands
• inadequate decontamination

Question 7

What is pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Answer 7

• opportunistic pathogen
• can be a transient commensal found in the oral cavity
• commonly causes infection in those who are immunosuppressed

Question 8

How does the chain of infection of pseudomonas aeruginosa break at the reservoir?

Answer 8

• avoid damp conditions
• use fresh detergent/disinfectant
• frequently change ultrasonic bath/Perform
• steriliser reservoir should be sterile or purified water

Question 9

How does the chain of infection of pseudomonas aeruginosa break at the portal of exit?

Answer 9

Sterile single use solution where possible

Question 10

How does the chain of infection of pseudomonas aeruginosa break at the mode of transmission?

Answer 10

• hand hygiene
• type B steriliser

Question 11

How does the chain of infection of pseudomonas aeruginosa break at the portal of entry?

Answer 11

Aseptic technique