Introduction to Infection Control Practices

What is it about?

Sterilization (or disinfection) could be a term relating to any strategy that dispenses with (expels) or executes (deactivates) a wide range of life and diverse natural species. Disinfection describes a method that eliminates several or all infective microorganisms, except microorganism spores, on inanimate objects. Failure to properly clean or sterilize instrumentation can lead to transmission via contaminated medical and surgical devices. Factors that affect the effectiveness of each disinfection and sterilization embody the previous cleaning of the surgical item, organic and inorganic load present, type and level of microbial contamination, concentration of and exposure time to the germicide, physical nature of the object and many other factors. Disinfectants can be of two types – oxidizing and non oxidizing agents. Examples include Povidone-Iodine, Hydrogen Peroxide and Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO), Alcohol (Ethanol), chlohexidine. Instruments for sterilization include autoclave and ethylene oxide.

Featured Image

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This chapter explains the various common methods of sterilization used in a dental clinic. It describes the principle of autoclave, ozone sterilization, cold sterilization and chemicals used in sterilization. It is of utmost importance for a dental chairside assistant.