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Dentistry vocabulary · Instruments and the Dental Clinic

Infection control

Meaning in dentistry, with examples

nounCommon term

In dentistry, infection control means: The rules and practices a clinic follows to stop infections spreading between patients and staff, such as hand hygiene, gloves, masks, surface cleaning and instrument sterilization.

In Turkish: enfeksiyon kontrolü

How it is used

Used in clinic policies, inspections and training. Staff follow infection control procedures and standard precautions. Cross-infection means an infection passed from one person to another, and in the UK the related word decontamination is common.

Example sentences

  1. All new staff complete infection control training in their first week.

  2. The inspector reviewed our infection control records and sterilization logs.

Common collocations

  • infection control procedures
  • infection control policy
  • cross-infection
  • standard precautions
  • autoclaveA machine that sterilizes instruments with steam under high pressure and temperature, usually at 121 °C or 134 °C, killing bacteria, viruses and spores.
  • dental assistantA trained team member who works beside the dentist at the chair, passing instruments, handling the suction, mixing materials, sterilizing instruments and looking after patients.
  • suctionEquipment that removes saliva, water and debris from the patient's mouth during treatment. High-volume suction also reduces spray and aerosol.
  • handpieceThe hand-held tool that holds and spins a bur or polishing cup. High-speed handpieces cut enamel and old fillings; slow-speed ones remove soft decay and polish.

More terms: Instruments and the Dental Clinic

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.