Infection Control, Cross Contamination, and Instrument Sterilization Techniques, 3rd Edition

19.95
About the Course 
This course is a basic-level refresher for dental healthcare personnel on infection control, cross-contamination, and instrument sterilization techniques. Areas addressed include infection control guidelines; understanding standard versus universal precautions; sterilization and disinfection of patient care items; goals for ensuring disease containment through proper instrument recirculation techniques; handling of contaminated instruments from the treatment room through precleaning, cleaning, and preparation for sterilization; the most commonly used (and accepted) methods of dental instrument sterilization; environmental infection control; dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and other infection control considerations.
It should be noted that, with the arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, infection control has expanded to the outer office, with the advent of initial patient screening and patient masking. In the operatory, use of N95 masks and face shields became more of a standard practice (Kane, 2021). As has always been the case, it is important to follow guidelines, prescribed practices, and legal requirements.

Learning Outcomes
  • Describe universal and standard precautions and protective equipment in the dental office.
  • Recognize the factors governing treatment of patient care items.
  • Describe infection control procedures and the steps necessary prior to sterilizing dental instruments.
  • Discuss the sterilization processes most commonly used for dental instruments.
About the Author
Eve Cuny, MS, is the director of environmental health and safety and the assistant dean for global relations, as well as an associate professor, at the University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Ms. Cuny was a content review expert for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings – 2003 and is a former member of the infection control regulation review committee for the Dental Board of California. Ms. Cuny is also a member of the board of directors of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention. Ms. Cuny has authored numerous articles and textbook chapters and presented more than 300 continuing dental education courses on infection control and patient safety. Ms. Cuny received her master’s degree in health services administration from Saint Mary's College of California.
 
How to Receive Credit
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.

AGD code - 148