OSHA and CDC Infection Control Standards and Barrier Precautions for Dental Healthcare
About the Course
There are approximately 700,000 dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) in the United States, a total that includes approximately 125,000 dentists, 207,000 dental hygienists, 347,000 dental assistants, and 36,000 dental laboratory technicians (U.S. Department of Labor, 2021). DHCP work primarily in outpatient, ambulatory care facilities using instruments that generate spatter, mists, aerosols, or particulate matter. In addition, most dental procedures require the use of double-ended sharp instruments that become soiled with blood, saliva and other body fluids during the course of dental treatment. In such settings, it is likely that patients and dental personnel will be exposed to blood and other potentially pathogenic infectious material unless standard precautions are followed. Fortunately, by understanding certain principles of disease transmission and using appropriate infection control practices, dental personnel can prevent disease transmission.
This basic-level course helps to protect both patient and practitioner safety by DHCP with a review of the guidelines contained in these well-established documents as well as of recent research on infection control challenges in the dental setting.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the importance of infection control in dentistry.
- Outline the CDC recommendations and OSHA regulations for infection control in the dental healthcare setting.
- Identify standard and transmission-based precautions.
- Describe personal protective equipment.
- Identify environmental infection control procedures.
About the Author/Expert/Presenter/Faculty
Eve Cuny, MS, is the executive associate dean and professor at the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry. Ms. Cuny is a member of the board of directors for the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and a member of the National Occupational Research Agenda Council (health care and social services sector) for the US Department of Health and Human Services. She has served as an expert reviewer and advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; is past chairperson of OSAP; and has been a peer reviewer for dental journals and dental organizations. Ms. Cuny has written extensively on numerous aspects of infection control. She is the primary author of the World Health Organization’s guide to infection control in oral healthcare, and has lectured on infection control and patient safety throughout the world.
How to Receive Credit
- Read the entire course online or in print.
- Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75% is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
- Provide required personal and payment information.
- Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
- Print your Certificate of Completion.
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept support from ineligible companies. Furthermore, ineligible companies 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.
©2023: 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.
Accreditation
Colibri Healthcare, LLC is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Colibri Healthcare, LLC is designated as a Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement. Current approval period is 1/1/2022 to 12/31/2025; Provider ID# 217536.
AGD code - 148