Alexandra Vinagre
Update on sterilization
- Dentist (Portuguese Dental Association – OMD No. 2218). Degree in Dentistry from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra (FMUC), Portugal, 1998.
- Auxiliar Professor in the Dentistry Area at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, teaching the courses Introduction to Dentistry, Introduction to Clinical Practice, Ergonomics and Information and Communication Technologies, and Operative.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Orthodontics, Department of Dentistry, Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery, FMUC, 2003.
- PhD in Health Sciences, specialty in Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, September 2014.
- Specialist in Orthodontics, Portuguese Dental Association (OMD), June 2015.
- Integrated Research Member of the Centre for Research and Innovation in Dental Sciences (CIROS).
- Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator in several research projects. Author and co-author of numerous scientific papers and presentations published in national and international journals and conference proceedings.
- Member of the Direction Board of the Portuguese Society of Prosthodontics and Esthetic Dentistry (SPPED).
- Alternate Member of the Executive Board of the Portuguese Dental Association (OMD) since July 2020.
- Clinical Director and Head of the Orthodontics and Esthetic Dentistry Departments at the Integrated Dental Medicine Centre of Coimbra – Orisclinic.
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: Curso Assistente Dentário, Dental Assistant Course
Auditório B
Conference summary
The reprocessing of reusable medical devices is a fundamental component of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings, playing a crucial role in ensuring patient safety, protecting healthcare professionals, and maintaining the quality of care. The increasing complexity of devices used in Dentistry, together with the continuous evolution of regulatory requirements and national and international recommendations, makes ongoing education and updating of knowledge in this field essential.
This lecture aims to review the fundamental principles of reusable medical device reprocessing, from initial decontamination to storage, addressing critical aspects such as cleaning, disinfection, packaging, sterilization, traceability, and process monitoring. The most recent recommendations and guidelines applicable to dental clinics and practices will also be discussed, together with the most common errors observed in clinical practice and strategies for their prevention.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of the dental assistant in the implementation and maintenance of effective infection control protocols, reinforcing their role as a key contributor to the quality and safety of oral healthcare. Through a practical and evidence-based approach, this session aims to provide useful tools for optimizing reprocessing procedures and promoting a culture of safety in dentistry.