Course Offerings

Bloodborne Pathogen Update for Dental Professionals

Course ID: DEN-3020J3
Overview
Course Outline
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Infection control and bloodborne pathogen management are essential elements of dental practices, ensuring the safety of both patients and dental professionals by minimizing the risk of infectious disease transmission. Effective infection control protocols help reduce the chances of cross-contamination and the spread of harmful pathogens, with a key focus on preventing the transmission of bloodborne diseases, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These diseases can be transmitted through contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard under (29 CFR 1910.1030), setting clear guidelines for workplace safety.
This training is required annually for dental healthcare practitioners to remain in compliance with OSHA standards. The course will cover all the recommended training components on bloodborne pathogens, ensuring dental professionals are up to date on essential infection control practices.

Course Objectives

Define bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) and identify common examples, including HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).

List the various routes of disease transmission, such as direct contact, droplet, airborne, and bloodborne, and identify the diverse types of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.

Recall the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and regulations related to bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Recognize high-risk procedures and environments in dental settings.

Explain the importance of standard precautions, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper disposal of biohazardous materials.

Summarize the risk factors associated with bloodborne pathogen exposure and their potential health consequences.

Apply the principles of infection control to prevent and respond to accidental exposure incidents.

Implement workplace safety protocols, such as needlestick injury prevention and proper handling of contaminated materials.

Differentiate between direct and indirect modes of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Develop an exposure control plan that incorporates OSHA guidelines and best practices for reducing bloodborne pathogen risks.

Integrate knowledge of disease transmission and prevention strategies into workplace policies and training programs.

Evaluate case studies of bloodborne pathogen exposure incidents to determine lessons learned and preventive strategies.

Justify the need for ongoing bloodborne pathogen training and adherence to regulatory standards to ensure workplace safety.