Disinfection and hygiene protocols

Abstract

Clinicians should take precautions to prevent the spread of germs from patient to dental staff. Although dental staff and patients have been concerned about contagious diseases for a long time, dental infection control has received increased attention among patients after the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for infection control in the modern world is greater than ever. The safety of both dental clinical personnel and patients depends on managing bacterial, viral, and fungal contamination by sterilization and disinfection, which have traditionally been regarded as the most crucial steps in the infection control process. This chapter provides a concise overview of a clinically useful approach to sterilization and disinfection protocols in the field of removable partial denture practice. Specifically, it covers the cleaning and decontamination of various items used in clinical environments, including impressions, stone casts, occlusal rims, registration materials, burs, and prostheses. By following these guidelines, practitioners can ensure that their RPD procedures are conducted in a safe and hygienic manner, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination and infection transmission.