This course aims to provide knowledge and skills related to the prevention of cross-infection in the dental setting. In particular, it aims to develop the ability to correctly apply hand hygiene procedures, use personal protective equipment, and adopt appropriate methods for disinfecting and sterilizing dental units.
Course Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites.
Teaching Methods
The course is taught through lectures supported by multimedia materials (slides, images, videos) and practical examples as needed. The teaching approach is traditional and aims to encourage active student participation and a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical content.
Assessment Methods
The assessment consists of a practical exam supplemented by several open-ended questions, designed to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the topics covered and their ability to apply the correct procedures in a clinical setting. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: •Describe the mechanisms of cross-infection transmission in the dental setting •Identify the main pathogens and associated biological hazards •Correctly apply hand hygiene procedures •Properly use personal protective equipment •Distinguish between decontamination, disinfection, and sterilization methods •Apply sterilization protocols for dental units •Adopt behaviors appropriate for preventing environmental contamination •Manage situations involving biological risk (e.g., accidental needle sticks)
Contents
•Cross-infection in dentistry: definition and clinical significance •Historical overview of infection prevention •Infection chain and modes of transmission •Major pathogens of dental interest •Hand hygiene: techniques and guidelines •Personal protective equipment (PPE) •Concepts of decontamination, antisepsis, disinfection, and sterilization •Procedures for cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and instruments •Sterilization of dental units and process control •Use of single-use materials and surface protection •Biological risk management and procedures in case of accidents
