Upon the completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

• Discuss issues related to the strength of evidence for an environmental source or mean of transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings.

• Discuss the essential elements of the "chain of infection".

• Discuss issues related to air as a source or mean of transmission for infectious agents in the healthcare setting.

  • Discuss air quality-related infection control measures in the oral healthcare setting.

• Discuss issues related to water as a source or means of transmission for infectious agents in the healthcare setting.

  • Discuss water-quality-related infection control measures in the oral healthcare setting.

• Discuss issues related to fomites (environmental surfaces) as a source or means of transmission for infectious agents in healthcare setting.

  • Discuss fomite-related infection control measures in the oral healthcare settings.

• Discuss other issues in environmental infection control:

  • Carpeting and cloth furnishings

  • Flowers and plants in patient-care areas

  • Pest control

  • Contaminated laundry

  • Disposable surgical gowns, drapes, and fabrics

  • Service animals

  • Regulated medical waste