Disinfection, Sterilization, & Bloodborne Pathogens: Part 2 - Sterilization

Materials Included

  • Text
  • Video
  • Anatomy
  • Simulation
  • Quiz

This module is part of a 2-volume set. Part 2 of the course provides knowledge of proper sterilization techniques of dental equipment to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated equipment.

The dental equipment and treatment room surfaces are often exposed to blood and saliva, and therefore are at risk for becoming contaminated. If proper infection control is not in place, infections can easily be transmitted through the office from the blood or saliva of the patients being treated, as well as the surfaces that are touched. Therefore, infection control and proper disinfection and sterilization procedures must be followed to minimize the risk of disease.

Introduction

Step 1 - Sterilization methods

Step 1.1 - Autoclave sterilization

Step 1.2 - Flash sterilization

Step 1.3 - Dry-heat sterilization

Step 1.4 - Chemical vapor sterilization

Step 1.5 - Cold sterilization

Step 2 - Preparation for sterilizing instruments

Step 2.1 - Transporting instruments for sterilization

Step 2.2 - Pre-cleaning instruments

Step 2.3 - Packaging instruments

Step 3 - Sterilizing process

Step 3.1 - Autoclave sterilization process

Step 3.2 - Flash sterilization process

Step 3.3 - Dry-heat sterilization process

Step 3.4 - Chemical vapor sterilization process

Step 3.5 - Cold sterilization process

Step 3.6 - Instrument storage after sterilization

Step 4 - Quality assurance and sterile process monitoring

Step 4.1 - Chemical monitoring

Step 4.2 - Physical monitoring

Step 4.3 - Biological monitoring

Step 4.4 - Sterilization failure

  • Describe pre-procedure considerations for sterilization.
  • Describe and demonstrate the preparation for sterilizing and protecting against bloodborne pathogens.
  • Describe methods of sterilization.
  • Describe and demonstrate sterilization procedures.
  • Know the correct post-procedure considerations following sterilization.
  • Define and demonstrate correct recording and reporting procedures.
  • Define and use related medical terminology.
  • Describe clinical safety according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
  • Understand the impact of the State Dental Practice Acts.
  • Explain the Patient Privacy (HIPAA), Patient Safety Act, and Patients' Bill of Rights.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

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  • a step-by-step video demonstration by an expert
  • a quiz
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