Cross Infection & Decontamination Course

Course Overview: This course provides a thorough understanding of cross infection control in dental settings. It covers essential practices and protocols to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. Participants will learn about immunization, universal precautions, waste management, and the proper handling of equipment and materials. The course emphasizes practical application and adherence to contemporary protocols and legislation.

Course Content:

Module 1: Immunisation and Standard Universal Precautions

• Immunisation Requirements: Essential vaccinations and their importance for healthcare professionals
• Universal Precautions: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and standard protocols to prevent infection

Module 2: Risk Assessments and Infection Control Management

• Risk Assessments: Identifying and evaluating potential infection risks in dental settings
• Clinical Audit: Conducting audits to ensure adherence to infection control protocols
• Team Training: Strategies for training dental teams in infection control practices

Module 3: Healthcare Waste Management

• Waste Management: Segregation, packaging, storage, and disposal of healthcare wastes according to legislation
• Needles and Sharps: Correct handling and disposal of needles and sharps to prevent injuries and infections
• Blood Spillages: Procedures for managing and decontaminating blood spillages

Module 4: Maintaining an Aseptic Environment

• Aseptic Techniques: Maintaining a clean working environment and using disinfectants for surface cleaning
• Decontamination: Effective decontamination of impressions and prosthetic appliances

Module 5: Water Supply Contamination and Dental Units Waterline Maintenance

• Water Supply Contamination: Risks and prevention strategies for contamination
• Dental Units Waterline Maintenance: Best practices for maintaining waterlines and ensuring safety

Module 6: Equipment and Instrument Management

• Cleaning, Decontamination, Sterilisation, and Storage: Procedures for managing dental equipment and instruments according to evidence-based practices

Module 7: Transmission-Based Precautions

• Precautions Overview: Understanding and implementing airborne, droplet, contact, and sterilisation precautions
• At-Risk Patients: Special considerations and precautions for patients at higher risk of infection

Module 8: Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

• Legal Responsibilities: Understanding regulations, including the medical device directive and infection prevention laws
• Ethical Responsibilities: Ensuring compliance with infection control standards and best practices in patient care

Course Requirements:

• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of dental procedures and healthcare practices. No prior specialized knowledge in infection control is required.
• Technical Requirements: Participants must have access to a computer with internet connectivity to access course materials, participate in online discussions, and complete assessments.
• Assessment: Participants will be required to complete quizzes, case studies, practical exercises, and a final assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the course content.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion from Enamel Academy.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, participants will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of immunisation requirements and standard universal precautions for infection control.
• Apply risk assessment techniques, conduct clinical audits, and implement effective team training for infection control.
• Manage healthcare waste, including needles and sharps, and handle blood spillages according to contemporary protocols.
• Maintain an aseptic working environment and apply proper decontamination procedures for impressions and prosthetic appliances.
• Ensure the safe maintenance of dental units waterlines and prevent water supply contamination.
• Perform effective cleaning, decontamination, sterilisation, and storage of dental equipment and instruments.
• Implement transmission-based precautions, including for at-risk patients, and understand legal and ethical responsibilities in infection prevention and control.