A loaded question. Probably not totally well framed. Who will be using this "tool"? I guess medical or dental professionals. What exactly is "infection control compliance"? I suppose patients are given some tests for infection which don't give immediate results, but if they are positive we really want to get them back for treatment. So it is basically a database issue - enter identifier, presenting symptoms, tests done, wait for test results, results are positive, notify patient, if patient doesn't return for treatment, notify patient again, etc. Is that about right?

Hi Dennis

Thanks for the reply. The tool needs to applied in dental facilities by dental professionals only. In dental practices we do not test the average patient for any infection in particular. Only after exposure incidents, for example with a used needle or dental instrument tests for the injured person and source patient will be requested. To frame my question a bit better....

The application needs to be developed to do an audit for application of standard precautions and other safety measures, with specific reference to transmission of infectious diseases. In other words, application of CDC Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings - 2003. [Recommendations and reports]. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 52(Number RR-17), 1-68.

Thanks Michael. In South Africa money is usually a problem. Will try out your recommendations.

You can see the dental audit tool from Infection Prevention Society (IPS).

The link is here.

Best wishes...

http://www.ips.uk.net/professional-practice/resources1/dental-audit-tool/

Thank you for adding the link to these wonderful resources.

Much appreciated!