The Challenge of Reprocessing Medical Devices – Get it Right

Lecture Overview

Asepsis involves complex procedures and protocols, which need to be regularly questioned, optimized, and updated according to the latest developments in science and technology. Some dental instruments are more challenging to sterilize than others such as hollow, hinged products, handpieces, etc. They are to be processed single or double pouched which further increases this challenge.

The use of inappropriate sterilization cycles as well as unsuitable pre-disinfection and cleaning procedures lead to non-sterile items with direct implications towards the safety of the team and patients.

This lecture, which is illustrated with pictures and videos contributes elevating YOUR reprocessing procedures to “best practice”.

Topics that will be covered include:

1. Reprocessing dental instruments
   1. Reprocessing phases (pre-disinfection to storage)
   2. Pre-disinfection: THE fundamental first step!
   3. Cleaning: THE most challenging step
   4. Sterilization: BE aware!
   5. Storage: In which conditions and for how long?
2. More to sterilization
   1. Effectiveness and limitation of B, S and N type cycles.
   2. Particular instruments relate to specific challenges.
   3. Warning on “flash” cycles. “I realized some items might not be sterile!”
   4. Testing and validation.
3. Traceability legal aspect
   1. Dentist’s Legal responsibility
   2. Fundamental requirements on traceability.
   3. W&H comprehensive traceability concept, step by step. So simple
   4. Load release and making the link to the patient.
4. Basic rules to design and enhance sterilization area
   1. Theoretical and practical examples.