Course Offerings

Infection Control for the Dental Professional

Course ID: DEN-3020D3
Overview
Course Outline
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This course introduces the infection and hazard control procedures necessary for the safe practice of dentistry. Topics covered include microbiology, practical infection control, sterilization and monitoring, chemical disinfectants, aseptic technique, infectious diseases, OSHA standards, and applicable North Carolina laws. Upon completion, participants should be able to understand infectious diseases, disease transmission, infection control procedures, biohazard management, OSHA standards, the North Carolina Statewide Program of Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE) and other applicable North Carolina laws.

Course Objectives

Microbiology and Pathogenesis of Dental Infections/ Introduction to Infection Control in Dentistry
• Discuss/Review the basic principles of microbiology.
• Explain the various modes of microorganism transmission, the process of disease transmission

Principles of Sterilization and Disinfection, Sterilization Equipment and Monitoring (both lecture and lab)
• Explain the process for instrument decontamination prior to sterilization.
• Describe proper methods used in the care, storage, and handling of instruments.
• Identify various methods of sterilization and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Explain monitoring techniques for verification and documentation process of sterilization.
• Identify various preventive measures, engineering, and work practice controls, and Universal Precaution techniques that can reduce the risk of disease transmission.
• Identify and discuss the importance of warning labels, symbols, charts, and forms used according to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to meet requirements of biohazard communication.
• Explain the need of hand washing facilities according to the law and the purpose of a hand washing protocol.
• Identify various types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), explain when it should be utilized, and describe its proper placement and removal.

Hepatitis, HIV, TB, Hazard Communication Standard & The Law
• Explain epidemiology and its relationship to the transmission of diseases that are of significant concern to dental health care professionals.
• Explain the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen/TB Standards/ and HAZCOM standard as they relate to Universal Precautions, Exposure Control Plan, Infection Control, and Office Safety Programs in order, to comply with the laws while working in a dental environment.
• State the purpose and essential components of a Hazard Communication Program and of the 3 of 6 Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
• Identify and explain the role of agencies responsible for infection and hazard control regulations and recommendations.

Outline of Instruction

Microbiology and Pathogenesis of Dental Infections

Introduction to Infection Control in Dental Settings

Principles of Sterilization and Disinfection

Sterilization Equipment and Monitoring

Hepatitis, HIV, TB

Hazard Communication Standard & The Law

Sterilization Equipment and Monitoring LAB

Final Course Assessment