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:

Define and accurately use key infection control terminology, including sterilization, disinfection, standard precautions, critical and semi-critical instruments, and levels of disinfection.
Describe the modes of transmission and clinical significance of major pathogens relevant to dentistry, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, and HIV.
Explain the rationale for Hepatitis B vaccination in dental personnel and outline appropriate post-exposure management and follow-up.
Select and correctly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)—including gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and clinical attire—based on the procedure and anticipated exposure risk.
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.
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.
Apply appropriate aseptic techniques for high-speed and slow-speed handpieces, air/water syringes, ultrasonic scalers, impression materials, radiographic equipment, and evacuation systems.
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.
Summarize current recommendations and regulatory expectations for dental unit waterline quality, including CFU/mL targets and options for flushing, chemical treatment, and filtration.
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.

Course Overview

Description

The 25 CEU Bundle includes a broad selection of online continuing education courses designed for dentists who want to complete multiple required and relevant CE topics in one convenient package. This bundle provides a flexible, self-paced way to complete continuing education while covering compliance, patient safety, and clinical subjects relevant to dental practice.

Included in this bundle are CA Practice Act, 2-Hour Infection Control, Tooth Whitening, Waterline Safety, Dental Concerns of Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus, Immediate Loaded Implants, Jaw Necrosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, Angina Management, Septocaine (Articaine HCl), and either HIPAA or Development of Caries Vaccine. Together, these courses cover California regulations, infection control, restorative and clinical topics, patient health considerations, and important professional responsibilities.

This package is a convenient option for dentists who want to complete a substantial portion of their continuing education online in one bundle.

Courses Included

CA Practice Act (2 CEUs)
2-Hour Infection Control (2 CEUs)
Tooth Whitening (2 CEUs)
Waterline Safety (2 CEUs)
Dental Concerns of Hepatitis C (2 CEUs)
Herpes Simplex Virus (2 CEUs)
Immediate Loaded Implants (2 CEUs)
Jaw Necrosis (2 CEUs)
Alzheimer’s Disease (2 CEUs)
Angina Management (2 CEUs)
Septocaine (Articaine HCl) (2 CEUs)
Dentistry and Tuberculosis (2 CEUs)
HIPAA (1 CEU)

Course Topics

California dental laws and regulations
Infection control standards and safety procedures
Tooth whitening techniques and considerations
Dental waterline safety and contamination prevention
Dental concerns related to Hepatitis C
Recognition and management considerations for Herpes Simplex Virus
Immediate loading concepts for dental implants
Jaw necrosis risks and clinical considerations
Dental considerations for patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Recognition and management of angina in dental settings
Clinical uses and considerations for Septocaine (Articaine HCl)
HIPAA compliance

12 CEU Bundle

Course Overview

Description

Related Courses

2 Hour Infection Control

25 CEU Bundle

4 CEU Bundle