Contamination within the Dental Surgery

Question 1

on which surfaces might blood be found on in the dental surgery?

Answer 1

• 3 in 1 syringe button
• tap handles
• light handle
• operating cast handles

Question 2

what is the Spaulding Classification?

Answer 2

the Spaulding Classification puts medical devices into categories, depending on the risk associated

Question 3

what is meant by critical classification? (spaulding)

Answer 3

• high risk
• items in contact with normally sterile body sites
• require sterilisation

Question 4

what is meant by semi-critical classification? (Spaulding)

Answer 4

• medium risk
• items in contact with intact mucous membranes
• require high level disinfectant

Question 5

what is meant by non-critical classification? (Spaulding)

Answer 5

• low risk
• items in contact with intact skin
• low level disinfection

Question 6

what is meant by minimal risk medical devices?

Answer 6

items not normally in contact with intact skin

Question 7

what are examples of critical classification devices used in the dental surgery?

Answer 7

• forceps

- periodontal scaler

Question 8

what are examples of semi-critical classification devices used in the dental surgery?

Answer 8

• dental hand piece
• dental mirror
• dental impression trays

Question 9

what is an example of a non-critical classification device that is used in the dental surgery?

Answer 9

light curing device

Question 10

what equipment would classify as minimal risk within the dental surgery?

Answer 10

dental chair

Question 11

what is meant by Housekeeping Surfaces/Non-clinical surfaces within the dental surgery?

Answer 11

Surfaces not directly touched during dental treatment & these carry the lowest risk of disease transmission

Question 12

what are examples of non-clinical/housekeeping surfaces found within the dental surgery?

Answer 12

• walls
• floor
• sink

Question 13

what is meant by clinical contact surfaces found within the dental surgery?

Answer 13

Surfaces contaminated from patient materials, either by direct spray or splatted generated during dental procedures or by contact with gloved hands of dental health care professional

Question 14

what are examples of clinical contact surfaces found within the dental surgery?

Answer 14

• dental light handles
• bracket table
• handles of cupboards/drawers

Question 15

how long do the Influenza A/B viruses survive on steel & plastic?

Answer 15

24-48 hours

Question 16

how long do the Influenza A/B viruses survive on cloth, paper & tissues for?

Answer 16

<8-12 hours

Question 17

how long can transmission of Influenza A/B viruses occur between virus on:

• steel to hands
• paper tissue to hands
• hand to hand

Answer 17

Steel to hands = over 24 hours
Paper tissue to hands = 15 mins
Hand to hand = approx. 5 mins

Question 18

what are the EU detergent regulations in place?

Answer 18

• wipes must be biodegradable
• specific labelling requirements
• provision of data
• restriction on phosphates

Question 19

what are required for the physical removal of contamination?

Answer 19

• time
• water
• mechanical action
• temperature
• detergency