🦠 infection hazards in dentistry

Question 1

What are prions?

Answer 1

A type of protein with no DNA or RNA that is relatively resistant to steam sterilisation and can be transmitted through sterile instruments.

Example: vCJD (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease)

Question 2

What are viruses?

Answer 2

Infectious microbes that can cause respiratory infections (through aerosols) and blood-borne infections, targeted by occupational health infection prevention measures.

Example: Protective masks, face shields, goggles, bodysuits.

Question 3

What are aerosols?

Answer 3

Small particles suspended in the atmosphere, typically ≤5µm in size, with a very large variety of sizes.

Compared to droplets.

Question 4

What are droplets?

Answer 4

Particles that fall to a surface under the influence of gravity, usually >5µm in size.

Compared to aerosols.

Question 5

What are bacteria?

Answer 5

Single-celled microscopic living organisms that cause dental infections and require antimicrobial stewardship.

Question 6

What are fungi?

Answer 6

A group of eukaryotic organisms related to oral candidiasis.

Question 7

What is the hierarchy of controls?

Answer 7

A system from most effective to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.

Example: Rubber dam, high volume aspiration, surgery ventilation.

Question 8

What is antimicrobial stewardship?

Answer 8

A healthcare system-wide approach to monitoring the use of antimicrobials like antibiotics.

Question 9

What is oral candidiasis?

Answer 9

A fungal infection in the mouth caused by the yeast Candida.

Question 10

What is Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD)?

Answer 10

A fatal condition transmitted by prions that affects the brain, causing rapid brain damage that worsens over time.