Utilizing a Risk-Based Criteria Framework to Identify Infection Prevention and Control Risks in Australian Dental Settings

Abstract

Background: A dental practitioner must comply with the Dental Board of Australia’s guidelines on infection control. In this project, we developed a risk-based criteria framework to assess a practitioner’s infection prevention and control (IPC) systems and processes. This project allowed for the provision of the highest standard of infection control continuing education and advice relevant to the needs of members of the Australian Dental Association (NSW Branch). Methods: A review of 1,050 continuing professional development (CPD) IPC course evaluation forms was conducted to determine the key IPC areas that participants have the most difficulty with. All core IPC documents that practitioners are expected to understand and comply with were determined and any regulator- and profession-led compliance checklists were collated. These data were consolidated to generate a risk-based criteria framework that was then applied to 99 private, office-based, dental practices to determine IPC compliance. Results: After the review of 99 dental practices, the total aggregate compliance score was 78%, and the 15 key IPC areas were ranked from highest to lowest. These data assisted with the development of a full-day IPC course focusing on the top 5 risks in each category. The five areas of opportunity identified were Hand Hygiene (52%), Surgical Procedures and Aseptic Technique (59%), Documentation, Policy and Knowledge (61%), Sharps (72%), Steam Sterilisers (72%). Conclusions: This project identified key IPC risks for office-based dental practices from the capture of performance-based data. This data formed a targeted education framework that prioritized areas of opportunity to improve IPC standards in Australian dental practices.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None