Ling et alAntimicrobial ResistanceAntimicrobial Resistance Infection Control (2023)12:53https:/dol.org/10.1186s13756-023-01252-wand Infection ControlGUIDELINEOpen AccessAPSIC dental infection preventionand control(IPC)guidelinesM.L.Ling',P.Ching?,J.Cheng3,L.Lang,S.Liberali5,P.Poon,Y.Shin?and C.SimAbstractBackground The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control launched the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelinesin July 2022.This document describes the guidelines and recommendations for safe practices in dental setting.It aimsto highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist dental facilities at Asia Pacific region inachieving high standards in infection prevention and control practices,staff and patient safety.Method The guidelines were developed by an appointed workgroup comprising experts in the Asia Pacific region,following reviews of previously published international guidelines and recommendations relevant to each section.Results It recommends standard precautions as a minimal set of preventive measures to protect staff and preventcross transmission.Surgical aseptic technique is recommended when procedures are technically complex and longerin duration.Only trained staff are eligible to conduct reprocessing of dental instruments.The design,layout of thedental facility are important factors for successful infection prevention.The facility should also have a Pandemic Pre-paredness Plan.Conclusions Dental facilities should aim for excellence in infection prevention and control practices as this is partof patient safety.The guidelines that come with a checklist help dental facilities to identify gaps for improvement toreach this goal.Keywords Infection prevention,Infection control,DentalIntroductiondocument is to highlight IPC recommendations in aCOVID-19 pandemic had recently highlighted the ofconcise format designed to assist dental facilities at Asiatransmission mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 through res-Pacific region in achieving high standards in IPC prac-piratory droplets and aerosols [1,2].Attention to infec-tices to minimize cross infection between the dental caretion prevention and control (IPC)practices in dentalpractitioner and the patient.Particularly in dental treat-units is critical to stop cross-infection.The intent of thisment settings,practitioners are often exposed to contactswith patients,blood and bodily fluids.Additionally,theuse of sharp instruments significantly increases the risk"Correspondenceof exposure to infection,and as dental treatment is a typeMLLingling.moi.lin@singhealthcomsgof outpatient,invasive treatment,effective controls forSingapore General Hospital Outram Road,Singapore 169403,Singaporeoutpatient-derived infections are essential.This docu-2The University of Hong Kong,Hong Kong,ChinaTaipei Medical University,Taipei Taiwanment is a summary of the APSIC Dental Infection Pre-4National Healthcare Group Polyclinics,Singapore,Singaporevention and Control (IPC)Guidelines developed by the5
