Infection Prevention: Risk Reduction and Compliance in the Dental Office

Categories: Infection Prevention

Author(s): Dr. Fiona M. Collins, BDS, MBA, MA, Noel Brandon-Kelsch, RDHAP, MS

Course Type: Self-instruction journal and web based activity

Target Audience: Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienist, Dentists from novice to advanced

Educational Objectives

The overall goal of this course is to provide information on risk reduction, preventive measures, and infection control compliance. After completing this course, the reader should be able to:

1. Describe the modes of transmission of disease in the dental setting
2. Identify risks in the dental setting and describe risk reduction
3. Delineate and describe infection control preventive measures
4. Review methods to improve and maintain compliance with infection control recommendations and regulations.

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Abstract

Effective infection control requires an understanding of modes of transmission and how to prevent this from occurring. Risk reduction requires solutions that could result in the elimination of a risk factor or reduce the chance of that risk factor causing harm. In addition, infection control breaches incur several potential consequences; the first of which is potential harm to patients and dental healthcare personnel through exposure to microorganisms and the risk of disease, as well as exposure to chemicals. Preventive measures are necessary for effective infection prevention. Each dental ofce should develop and maintain written infection control policies and procedures. A culture of safety and compliance with recommendations, regulations, and protocols is also necessary for effective risk reduction.

COMMERCIAL SUPPORTER: This course has been made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Hu-Friedy.