Course Overview
Infection control is a foundational responsibility in dental practice, directly impacting the safety of patients, clinicians, and auxiliary staff. This course provides a comprehensive review of current infection control principles as they apply to dentistry, including the science of disease transmission, the hierarchy of disinfection and sterilization, and the classification of instruments and clinical surfaces. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key pathogens of concern in the dental setting—such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis viruses, and HIV—and the rationale for core protective measures, including immunization against Hepatitis B and strict adherence to standard precautions.
Building on these fundamentals, the course offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on implementing aseptic technique throughout the dental office and laboratory. Topics include appropriate use of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene protocols, operatory setup and turnover, instrument processing workflows, and the selection and use of chemical disinfectants. Special attention is given to the sterilization and maintenance of handpieces, management of suction systems and dental unit waterlines, safe handling of radiographic equipment and impression materials, and proper segregation, treatment, and disposal of contaminated waste in compliance with regulatory standards.
Finally, the course addresses the ethical and legal dimensions of infection control, particularly as they relate to the care of patients with HIV and other infectious diseases. Real-world case law is reviewed to clarify professional obligations, anti-discrimination requirements, and the importance of consistent, documented protocols. The curriculum concludes with practical office and laboratory checklists, along with strategies for communicating infection control procedures effectively to patients and team members, ensuring both regulatory compliance and a high level of trust and confidence in the dental environment.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
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Define and accurately use key infection control terminology, including sterilization, disinfection, standard precautions, critical and semi-critical instruments, and levels of disinfection.
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Describe the modes of transmission and clinical significance of major pathogens relevant to dentistry, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV.
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Explain the rationale for Hepatitis B vaccination in dental personnel and outline appropriate post-exposure management and follow-up.
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Select and correctly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and clinical attire—based on the procedure and anticipated exposure risk.
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Implement evidence-based protocols for operatory asepsis, including surface barriers, environmental surface disinfection, management of spills, and regulated waste handling in compliance with local regulations.
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Design and maintain an effective instrument processing workflow, from presoak and ultrasonic cleaning through packaging, sterilization, and biological monitoring (spore testing) for various sterilization methods.
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Apply appropriate aseptic techniques for high-speed and slow-speed handpieces, air/water syringes, ultrasonic scalers, impression materials, radiographic equipment, and evacuation systems.
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Describe best practices for infection control in the dental laboratory, including handling of incoming and outgoing cases, pumice and rag wheel management, and communication of disinfection responsibilities between office and lab.
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Summarize current recommendations and regulatory expectations for dental unit waterline quality, including CFU/mL targets and options for flushing, chemical treatment, and filtration.
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Interpret the ethical and legal obligations related to treating patients with HIV and other infectious diseases and integrate these requirements into practice policies, documentation, and patient communication.
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