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Clinical Practice Guideline for an Infection Control/Exposure Control Program in the Oral Healthcare Setting

COURSE NUMBER: 342

Geza T. Terezhalmy, DDS, MA; Michaell A. Huber, DDS

Credit Hours:

3 Hour(s)

PDF

This course presents a prototypical, evidence-based, hierarchical infection control/exposure control protocol predicated on Standard Precautions and Transmission-based Precautions to prevent or minimize healthcare-associated infections in o...

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Overview

This course presents a prototypical, evidence-based, hierarchical infection control/exposure control protocol predicated on Standard Precautions and Transmission-based Precautions to prevent or minimize healthcare-associated infections in oral healthcare settings. The recent COVID-19 pandemic unveiled the need for additional interim precautions which are summarized at the end of this document. It is reasonable to anticipate that some or all of these interim precautions may be incorporated into a future infection control standard.


Syllabus: Infection Prevention, Hazardous Waste Management, and Hazard Communication Compliance

The information in this 13-module syllabus is intended (1) to meet initial educational/training requirements for Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, and Dental Assistant Students as mandated by OSHA and other federal, state, local and professional organizations, (2) to provide a framework for an in-service training program in oral healthcare settings to meet annual educational/training requirements as mandated by OSHA and other federal, state, local and professional organizations, and (3) to serve as a resource for oral healthcare personnel wishing to review evidence-based information on specific topics related to infection prevention, hazardous waste management, and hazard communication compliance.

Infection Prevention, Hazard Waste Management, and Hazard Communication Compliance

  • Intended Audience:

    Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students

  • Date Course Online:

    May 14, 2009

  • Last Revision Date:

    Jul 15, 2022

  • Course Expiration Date:

    Jul 14, 2025

  • Cost:

    Free

  • Method:

    Self-instructional

  • AGD Subject Code(s):

    148

  • Technical Requirements:

    Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.

Learning Objectives

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


  • Understand the rationale for and develop policies and practices (i.e., an office infection control/exposure control protocol) intended to prevent or minimize healthcare-associated infections in the oral healthcare setting.
  • Understand the role of and implement vaccination strategies intended to reduce the risk of vaccine preventable diseases in the oral healthcare setting.
  • Understand the role of and implement the use of personal protective equipment to prevent or reduce the risk of occupational exposure in the oral healthcare setting.
  • Understand the role and implement appropriate hand hygiene.
  • Understand the role of and incorporate engineering and work practice controls to eliminate or isolate the hazard in the workplace.
  • Understand the role of and implement environmental infection control to provide a safer work environment.
  • Understand the importance of post-exposure follow-up and associated policies and practices to reduce the risk of post-exposure infection.
  • Understand the principles of and implement transmission-based precautions to prevent the potential spread of specific diseases (e.g., TB disease).
  • Understand the principles of and implement respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, i.e., basic source control measures with patients, visitors, and oral health care personnel with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
  • Understand the principles of administrative controls and establish exclusion policies from work and patient contact.

Disclaimers

  • P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
  • Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice.  Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.

Please Note:


  • This course may not satisfy individual state requirements on CDC/Infection Control. Please check with your State Board to verify.
  • Iowa dental professionals: This course complies with the Iowa Dental Board for recertification in the area of infection control standards, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Note:  Registration is required to take test.

Author(s)

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement

  • Dr. Terézhalmy has done consulting work for Procter & Gamble and has served on the dentalcare.com Advisory Board. He has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

  • Dr. Huber is a member of the dentalcare.com Advisory Board and has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Dr. Terézhalmy is Professor and Dean Emeritus, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Terézhalmy earned a BS degree from John Carroll University; a DDS degree from Case Western Reserve University; an MA...

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Submission Information

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.


CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.

Recognition

AGD Pace Logo

Approved PACE Program Provider

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY


Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.

Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.


8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027

Provider ID# 211886

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AADH Approved Program Provider

Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2024-December 31, 2025). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.