Page 16 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

What is considered a critical instrument? All items that penetrate skin, mucous membranes, or bone which include all surgical devices, scalers, and burs. These instruments are considered to carry the greatest risk of transmitting infections.
What are semi-critical items? Typically, items included in this category are handpieces, mirrors, amalgam condensers, x-ray holders, and reusable impression trays. Sterilization is required for all items that may touch saliva or intact mucosal tissues.
Noncritical items come in contact with intact skin surfaces, soil, debris, saliva, blood or other potentially infectious materials, and include surfaces, devices and equipment as well as instruments. Intermediate-level disinfection is required for operatory surfaces such as light handles, counter tops, x-ray heads, and dental chairs.
DISINFECTION CLASSIFICATIONS
Disinfection is intended to kill disease-causing microorganisms, but only after the surface is pre- cleaned to remove soil, debris, or bio-burden. Pathogenic spores cannot be killed using disinfectants. Disinfection and sterilization are not to be confused with each other in that disinfection is not able to kill all forms of microbial life.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registers and regulates disinfectants and chemical sterilants according to the products use instructions and its ability to kill viruses, spores, fungi, bacteria and mycobacteria.
There are three categories of disinfectants used in dentistry based upon their effectiveness. They are low level, intermediate level and high level disinfectants.
The three categories of disinfectants are further defined in the California regulations as follows:
(5) "Low-level disinfection" is the least effective disinfection process. It kills some bacteria, some viruses and fungi, but does not kill bacterial spores or mycobacterium tuberculosis var bovis, a laboratory test organism used to classify the strength of disinfectant chemicals.
(6) "Intermediate-level disinfection" kills mycobacterium tuberculosis var bovis indicating that many human pathogens are also killed. This process does not necessarily kill spores.
(7) "High-level disinfection" kills some, but not necessarily all, bacterial spores. This process kills mycobacterium tuberculosis var bovis, bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Intro Page - 16
Introductory Chapter: Dental Practice Act, Infection Control and Cal-OSHA
The California RDAEF: A Compendium for Licensure Success © The Foundation for Allied Dental Education, Inc. 2016 Copyright protected. All rights reserved