The Dental Board of Australia (DBA) expects practitioners to comply with ‘best practice’ standards in relation to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to protect both the public, and, practitioners and their staff. Key documents and resources have been collated here in a highly accessible format to help you navigate the process to meet your IPC obligations.
The DBA replaced the formal IPC Guidelines on 1 July 2022 with resources and tools to help practitioners ensure they are practising safely. These changes promote practitioner self-reflection and ongoing professionalism.
ADA NSW supports its members to achieve their IPC obligations. We provide answers to the most frequently asked infection control questions and deliver on-demand CPD courses to help ensure both you and your teams have access to up-to-date, relevant information.
Rules and Regulations NSW:
NHMRC – The Australian Guideline for the Prevention and Control of Infection
Dental Highlights: NHMRC Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019)
The NHMRC Guidelines (2019) provide a national, evidence-based framework for infection prevention and control across all Australian healthcare settings, including dental practices. They set the minimum standard of care, outline compliance expectations, and support safe practice for patients, staff, and the broader community.
Regulators expect dental practitioners to understand the scientific principles underpinning infection control. ADA NSW recommends that every practice reviews the guidelines and keeps a digital or printed copy accessible for reference.
The NHMRC Guidelines (2019) clearly present the scientific rationale behind infection prevention strategies, covering both broad principles and specific clinical scenarios.
Access the NHMRC Guidelines
- Live online version: https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/Jn37kn
- PDF version: https://files.magicapp.org/guideline/d7b40232-519c-4c56-9061-03a6e7f02f5b/published_guideline_9393-11_26.pdf
Scope of the NHMRC Guidelines (2019)
- Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of infection prevention and control, applicable across healthcare environments.
- Applies to all healthcare personnel, including:
- Dentists, dental assistants, oral health professionals
- Nurses, doctors, allied health practitioners
- Administrative, cleaning, maintenance, and support staff
- Forms the foundation of regulatory and professional standards, including:
- AHPRA / Dental Board of Australia Infection Control Guidelines
- ACSQHC NSQHS Standards
- Australian Standards
- ADA Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control
- State and territory health department policies
Key NHMRC Topics Relevant to Dental Practice
Dental practitioners are encouraged to review the following sections:
- PPE selection for dental procedures, including correct donning and doffing sequences
Section 3.3 - Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions, with decision-making based on procedure, organism, and transmission route
Section 3; Sections 6.2–6.4 - Surgical procedures and Surgical Site Infection prevention
Section 3.5.3 - Aerosol-Generating Procedures (AGPs)
Section 3.5.4 - Clinical governance and infection control systems
Section 4 - Staff health and safety, including vaccination requirements
Section 4.2 - Managing occupational exposures
Section 4.2.3 - Education and ongoing training
Section 4.3 - Environmental cleaning requirements
Section 6.1 - Animals in healthcare settings
Section 6.6 - Mechanisms of action of antiseptics and disinfectants
Section 6.7
CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses
As part of our registration with Ahpra and the Dental Board of Australia, practitioners that perform exposure prone procedures are required to be aware of their status in relation to BBV’s and adhere to the CDNA guidelines for the management of healthcare workers living with blood borne viruses.
The CDNA guidelines are available at:
CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses
Australian Standard AS 5369:2023 – Reprocessing of reusable medical devices and other devices in health and non-health related facilities.
The standard AS 5369:2023 came into effect in December 2023. Although having a copy of the standard on site is not currently mandated, it can be a helpful resource in understanding other guidance documents.
AS 5369:2023 can be purchased from Standards Australia Purchase Link Here
This standard provides guidelines to help ensure reusable medical devices are cleaned, disinfected, and sterilised properly to prevent infections and improve patient safety.
Key updates in AS 5369:2023 as outlined by Standards Australia on their website include:
- After classifying instruments according to the Spaulding classification (i.e. their intended use: Critical, Semi-critical, or Non-critical), instruments are then assigned to a Product Family.
- The new step for grouping devices into Product Families is based on steam penetration resistance (SPR), and involves determining the device’s SPR, identifying the most challenging device to sterilise, and grouping devices accordingly.
- Validation and monitoring: The standard emphasises identifying the master product for each Product Family, and conducting test loads to evaluate steam penetration and Performance qualification (PQ) tests on groups of devices to help ensure effective sterilisation.
ADA – The Australian Dental Association Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines 5th Edition
The fifth edition of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidelines, incorporates changes that have arisen since the publication of the AS 5369:2023 and is specific to dental practices.
It is important that every registered dental practitioner and all members of the dental team familiarise themselves with this document and update their practice policies accordingly.
ADA guidelines for Infection Control 5th Edition https://ada.org.au/media/m42bj5e1/ada_guidelines_infection_control_guidelines.pdf
IPC Courses:
Online interactive courses
On-Demand: Infection Prevention and Control – free for members
This resource offers foundational and general information providing a practical introduction to the principles of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for the dental team.
IPC Support Services:
Performing a self-assessment or audit of your dental records
Advisory Services
ADA NSW provides one-on one tailored advice to practitioners with specific questions on Infection Control. Advisory Services can be contacted on (02) 8436 9944 or by email on advisory@adansw.com.au
IPC Resources:
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I am looking for: |
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Practice Specific Infection Control Manual Template – ADA Template |
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Steri Room Logs (Required) |
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ADA NSW Steriliser/ Autoclave Log Template |
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ADA NSW Ultrasonic Log Template |
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IC WHS and Incident Management (Required) |
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Immunisation Information and Immunisation Register Template |
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IC Incident Form and Risk Assessment Template |
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Practice Incident Information and Register Template |
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Staff Orientation and Training Checklists (Recommended) |
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New Staff Infection Control Orientation Checklist |
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IPC Video Tutorials |
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Posters and Memoires (Recommended) |
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PPE Poster |
ACSQHC Sequence for putting on and removing personal protective equipment (PPE) |
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Hand Hygiene Poster |
ACSQHC 5 moments hand hygiene poster – dental and oral health settings |
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Hand Washing Poster |
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Glove Use |
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Surgical Handwash Poster |
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Self Audits (Recommended) |
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ADA Self-Audit tool for Infection Prevention & Control (recommended) |
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Dental Council of NSW Information Sheet and Infection Control Checklist |
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Dental Board of Australia fact sheet and self-reflection tool |
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Reprocessing reusable medical equipment gap analysis tool |
ACSQHC Reprocessing reusable medical equipment gap analysis tool |
Additional IPC Guidance Websites:
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Clinical Excellence Commission website for Infection Prevention and Control |
NSW CEC Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) Program
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National Hand Hygiene Initiative |
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Transitioning from AS/NZS 4815:2006 to AS 5369:2023 – for healthcare services |
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Australian Immunisation Handbook |
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WHS Manual |
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been advised by the Dental Council of NSW of an Infection Control Inspection. What should I do?
Please contact Advisory Services as a priority by calling (02) 8436 9944. You will be assigned to a Peer Advisor who will discuss your situation and provide customised advice and guidance.
The Dental Council Infection Control Checklist and Information sheet are available via a link in the table above or via the DC NSW website.
My recent certificate of calibration/validation for my autoclave states that I am compliant with the old standard AS/NZS4815 and not the new standard AS5369:2023. Is this sufficient?
Many practitioners are receiving certificates of compliance of their autoclaves which refer to the old standard.
Practitioners must ensure that all new calibration/ validation of their autoclaves are performed in accordance and are compliant with the standard AS5369:2023.
What are the requirements for HCWs who are infected with a blood borne virus (BBV)?
Practitioners that perform exposure prone procedures are required to be aware of their status in relation to BBVs and adhere to the Australian national guidelines for the management of healthcare workers living with blood borne viruses and healthcare workers who perform exposure prone procedures at risk of exposure to blood borne viruses.
Most dentists who perform clinical procedures conduct exposure prone procedures, and we make a declaration regarding our compliance with the CDNA guidelines annually at the time of registration.
The CDNA National Guidelines for healthcare workers on managing bloodborne viruses addresses the issue for both infected HCW’s and employers. Their fact sheets are available in the table IPC Resources Compilation on this page, or via the CDNA website
What are the Dental Board of Australia’s requirements for Infection Control?
The DBA shifted from providing their own formal guidelines on Infection Control on 1 July 2022 to supporting practitioners with resources and tools to help them continue practicing safely. Access to these are available in the table IPC Resources Compilation on this page, or via the DBA website.
The expectation however remains that practitioners remain compliant with the Relevant Standards (see rules and regulations) and in line with Professional Expectations and the Code of Conduct.
How do I manage a sharps injury?
The ADA Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control fifth edition contain an appendix Blood and body fluid exposure (BBFE) protocol (page 82) which discusses first aid, the risk assessment, and testing.
Step 1 – First aid
Step 2 – Incident Report (conducted by the staff member involved or a witness)
Step 3 – Exposure Risk Assessment (conducted by a trained medical professional)
Step 4 – Practice WHS Risk Assessment (organised by practice management)
Step 5 – Implement Risk Reduction Strategies WHS (whole of team involvement)
For injured staff:
Provide first aid and refer to GP for an exposure risk assessment, baseline and future testing and counselling.
The employer should pay for testing to expedite the process.
The Exposure Risk Assessment is important to determine whether post exposure prophylaxis is required and should be conducted without delay. Expert medical advise is required to make this decision. It would be wise to have the contact details of an appropriate medical contact in your practice manual so that you are prepared.
In NSW one option is the Albion Centre’s Blood and Body Fluid Exposure phoneline (1800 804 823 Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm) is a good starting point. The Albion Centre also makes online tools available via this link https://thealbioncentre.org.au/education-and-information__trashed/phone-lines/blood-and-body-fluid-exposure-online-self-assessment-and-information-service/
For the source:
There is no requirement to inform a source patient unless there is a possibility that they were exposed by the incident.
A source patient cannot be forced to undergo any testing. Informed and voluntary consent must be obtained. Explaining to the patient how the knowledge can assist in the management of the injured person might be helpful in obtaining cooperation.
Any conversation that you have with a patient in relation to an incident should be clearly documented.
The practice management must:
1.Ensure the incident is documented in the practice Incident Register
2. Investigate the incident, particularly:
a) How the incident occurred, what were the contributing factors
b) Determine whether the exposure risk was to the practitioner or both the practitioner and patient.
3. Evaluate:
a) WHS – Current practice procedures and workflow and how they can be improved to prevent a similar incident from occurring again
4. Take action:
a) If there is the potential of patient exposure, the patient must be notified. You should also notify your Indemnity Provider. For advice and to discuss your obligations contact Advisory Services as soon as possible after the incident on (02) 8436 9944.
b) WHS – Develop procedures in line with your evaluation in 3 above. Discuss these within the workplace and train staff accordingly.
5. Notifications:
a) WorkCover can be notified and will need to be involved if claim ensues from staff member
Advisory Services has developed a Risk Assessment Template to investigate and manage incidents that you can download for use in your practice. We have also developed the Practice Incident Register Template. Both templates are available in the table on this page. The Risk Assessment Template can be adapted to any type of incident.
If you would like to discuss an exposure incident and would like to clarify your obligations, contact Advisory Services on (02) 8436 9944.
All templates are provided in word form and should be modified as required in order to be consistent with your Practice Infection Control Manual.