Higher National Unit:

Local Decontamination of Reusable Instruments

Outcome1&2

Candidates Name…………………………….

Assessor Name………………………………..

1.  Why is the decontamination of reusable dental instruments important?

2.  List five groups of infectious agents capable of causing infection through inadequate decontamination of re-usable dental Instruments and an example of each which can cause disease/infection.

Group of Infectious agents / An example from each group

3.  Select one of the following infectious agents and describe its progression through the chain of infection:

Hepatitis C vCJD Herpes simplex virus

4.  List 5 steps you would take to break the chain of infection and prevent the spread of infection in the LDU

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5.  Describe the potential impact of non-compliance with the policies and procedures of the decontamination process.

6.  Identify the methods which can be used to clean reusable dental instruments and describe the key points of the process for each method.

Method / Process

7.  Why is an automated cleaning process the preferred cleaning method of reusable dental instruments?

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8.  Identify the two methods of disinfection to prevent the spread of infection and what process a dental practice might use for each method.

Method / Process

9a. How is inspection used to prevent the spread of infection during the decontamination process?

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9b. What action should be taken in the event of an instrument failing the inspection process?

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10a. Identify the different types of sterilizers used in local decontamination and identify advantages and disadvantages for each.

Sterilizer type / Advantages / Disadvantages

10b. Describe methods of packaging and at what stage packaging should be carried out for each of the sterilizer types above.

Sterilizer type / Method of packaging / Stage of packaging

11.  How should instruments be handled and transported to ensure safety to staff and patients and prevent cross contamination?

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12.  How should ‘sterile’ and ‘sterilized’ reusable dental instruments be stored?

Storage method
Sterile
Sterilized

13. Complete the following table to determine the risk category, level and method of decontamination/disposal for the following dental instruments.

·  Risk category, Critical, semi-critical, non-critical Single use

·  Level, Disinfection, sterilized, disposed

Dental Instrument / Risk Category / Level / Method of decontamination/disposal
Dental Handpiece
Extraction forceps
Curing light
Endodontic File
Diamond Bur
Finger spreader

14a Describe the commonly recommended periodic tests to be carried out on the following equipment:

Washer Disinfector / Test carried out
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Ultrasonic Cleaner
Daily
Weekly
Sterilizer
Daily
Weekly

14b. Describe action which should be taken if any of the above equipment fails periodic testing.

1.  List the actions in the correct order that you would take following a sharps injury

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HN Unit 485 34, Version 5, April 2016