INFECTION CONTROL PROTOCOLS IN SPECIALIST DENTAL CENTRE AT SAUDI ARABIA. A NEWAPPRESIAL

Context Although the principles of infection prevention and control remain unchanged, new technologies,materials, equipment and updated data require continuous evaluation of current infection control practicesandcontinuouseducationfor theoralhealthteam. Scope This policy statement provides the basic principles of infection prevention and control. More detailedinformationcanbefound inthe referencesandinrelevant legislation. Definitions Infection prevention and control (IPC): scientific approach and practical solution designed topreventharmcausedby infectiontopatientsand healthworkers. Standardprecautions:Guidelinesforthepreventionoftransmittablediseasesincludingnosocomialinfection.Standardprecautionscombineuniversalprecautionsandbody-substanceprecautionsforallpatientsregardlessof diagnosisor possible infectiousstatus. Principles It is the responsibility of dentists to establish a protocol that prevents or limits the spread ofinfectionindentalpracticefortheirpatients,theirstaffandthem-selves.Thiscanbeaccomplishedbyfollowingthe recommendedinfectioncontrolworkpractice procedures. PolicyFDIsupportsthefollowingstatements: Recommendations,guidelinesandregulationsshouldbedevelopedinconsultationwiththedentalprofession. • Recommendations, guidelines and laws affecting standard precautions required of dental practices must beevidence-based or based on international best practices and receive adequate financial compensation for theadditionalcoststhatareincurred. • Local/regional dental associations should educate the public on the importance of proper infection controlin the dental office, the effectiveness of such recommended procedures and consequently the absence of asignificant riskofcontractingtransmittable diseasesthrough theprovisionofdentalcare. • Dentaleducatorsmustincorporatecurrentinfectionpreventionandcontrolrecommendationsinhealthcare settings into the curriculum and during clinical activities. This should include a blame-free criticalincidentreportingandlearningsystem.