CROSS INFECTION IN ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE-1.pptx

Educational Use
This presentation is primarily designed to educate undergraduate interns, postgraduate trainees, and practicing orthodontists about the nature of cross infection, common pathogens involved, and the risk factors specific to orthodontics. By highlighting both theoretical aspects and practical infection control measures, it bridges the gap between microbiology knowledge and real-life orthodontic scenarios. The structured slides, supported by references and visual illustrations, help learners grasp the topic clearly and retain key preventive strategies.

2. Clinical Use
From a clinical standpoint, the presentation provides a guideline for standard infection control measures. It outlines practical steps such as proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), instrument sterilization, surface disinfection, and barrier techniques. By emphasizing orthodontic-specific challenges like reuse of bands, wires, and impressions, it prepares clinicians to handle real risks in their practice. This reduces the likelihood of nosocomial infections, protects both patients and staff, and ensures a safe clinical environment.

3. Research and Policy Use
The references from CDC, WHO, and peer-reviewed literature included in the presentation allow it to serve as a foundation for further research or audits on infection control compliance in dental clinics. Institutions can use the insights to develop or update their own infection prevention protocols. Moreover, aligning with international standards ensures that orthodontic practices maintain global best practices, which is increasingly important in accreditation and quality assurance programs.

1. WELCOME TO THE PRESENTATION SUPERVISED BY PROF.DR.Md .Wazed Ali BDS,DDS,FCPS Vice-Principal, Dhaka Dental College. Professor & Head Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthohopedics . Dhaka Dental College Hospital CO-SUPERVISED BY DR.Shimonti Azad BDS,FCPS Dental Surgeon Dhaka Dental College Hospital

2. Presented By Dr.Adeeb Faiad Dr.Yusha Adham Dr.Al -Amin Islam Dr.Sakib Ahmmed

3. CROSS INFECTION IN ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE

4. Contents Understanding cross infection : What it is and why it matters Sources of contamination : Identifying common pathogens Transmission pathways : how infection spread Common infectious agent responsible for cross infection Ricks factors in orthodontics The foundation of infection control : Standard precautions

5. Understanding Cross Infection: What it is & why matters: Cross-infection refers to the transmission of infectious agents between patients, dental professionals, and the clinical environment. In orthodontics,where procedures often involve contact with saliva and blood, the risk of disease transmission is significant. Understanding this dynamic is paramount for patient safety.

6. Sources of Contamination: Identifying Common Pathogens Orthodontic environments can harbor various pathogens from diverse sources : Patient Oral Cavity Saliva, blood, plaque, and gingival fluids are primary carriers of bacteria and viruses like Hepatitis B/C and Herpes Simplex. Environmental Surfaces Surfaces like dental chairs, light handles, and counter-tops can become reservoirs for pathogens if not disinfected. Contaminated Instruments Improperly sterilized instruments can transfer microbes from one patient to another, posing a direct threat

7. Transmission Pathways: How Infections Spread Droplet/Aerosol Inhalation of airborne particles generated during procedures like orthodontic adjustments Sharps Injuries Accidental punctures or cuts from contaminated needles or orthodontic wires. Indirect Contact Contact with contaminated surfaces or instruments . Direct Contact Skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact with infected fluids

8. Common infectious agent responsible for cross infection Viruses: Hepatitis B & C, HIV, Herpes simplex virus Bacteria: Streptococcus spp., Mycobacterium tuberculosis Fungi: Candida albicans

9. Risk Factors in Orthodontics Frequent appliance adjustments Use of pliers, bands, wires repeatedly Aerosol-generating procedures (bonding, debonding) Long treatment duration increases exposure risk Therapeutic extraction Scaling

10. The Foundation of Infection Control: Standard Precautions Treat all patients as potentially infectious (universal precautions). PPE: Gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection, face shields. Vaccination for staff (e.g., hepatitis B, TB boosters). Barrier techniques: Disposable covers for surfaces. Avoid reusable items where possible; use single-use disposables .

11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ) ​ Gloves : Worn for all clinical procedures involving contact with bodily fluids, mucous membranes, or contaminated surfaces. ​ Face Masks : Worn to protect against aerosols and droplets. ​ Protective Eyewear : Prevents contamination of the eyes from splashes or aerosols. ​ Protective Clothing/Gowns : Protects clothing and exposed skin from contamination

12. Sterilization Protocols: Best Practices for Instruments and Equipment Cleaning: Manual or ultrasonic cleaning to remove debris before disinfection Packaging: Wrapping instruments in sterilization pouches or containers to maintain sterility. Sterilization: Using methods like autoclaving (steam under pressure)/ chemical sterilization to kill all microorganism Storage: Storing sterilized items in clean, dry environments to prevent recontamination..

13. Sterilization process for different orthodontics instruments: Brackets/Bands: 0.01% chlorhexidine or 2% Glutaraldehyde; A utoclaving. Wires/Chains : Dry heat or autoclaving; avoid methods altering properties. Pliers : Autoclaving or chemical soak to prevent blunting. Impressions/Casts : Sodium hypochlorite rinse, 2% Glutaraldehyde. Markers/Retractors : Autoclaving or glutaraldehyde .

14. Disinfection of Clinical Surfaces High-touch surfaces must be disinfected after each patient. Examples include chair headrests, light handles, countertops, and bracket tables. ​Use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant. ​Use a wipe-and-wait method to ensure adequate contact time for the disinfectant to work.

15. Waste Management and Sharps Safety Biohazardous Waste : Includes items contaminated with blood or saliva (e.g., gauze, cotton rolls).​ ​Disposal of wastes in biohazard containers. ​ Sharps : Needles, scalpel blades, and broken archwires. ​Dispose immediately after use in a puncture-resistant sharps container. ​Never recap needles by hand

16. IMMUNIZATION Immunization is a critical part of a comprehensive infection control program. ​All orthodontic staff should be immunized against infectious diseases that are common in a healthcare setting. ​Key vaccinations: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (chickenpox), and seasonal Influenza.

17. Conclusion Cross infection is a major risk in orthodontic practice due to frequent appliance handling Strict sterilization and barrier techniques significantly reduce risks. Prevention is safer, easier, and more cost-effective than treatment

18. References: Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC): Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-care settings (2003) World Health Organization (WHO): Infection prevention and control in dental settings. Samarnayake L. Essential Microbiology for Dentistry , 5 th ed. National Library of medicine (NIH, USA)

19. THANK YOU ALL

20. Q & A