Course Description:

Contact Hours (CE): The Academy of Dental Learning and OSHA Training, LLC, designates this activity for 4 continuing education credits (4 CEs).
New York State Approval: New York State Approved Provider, IC194.
Cost:$30.00
Questions? Contact Us: Phone: 800-522-1207, Fax: 800-886-3009, or Email: cesupport@dentallearning.org
Published: June 2017
Updated: July 2020
Expires: August 2023
Pages: 80
Course Instructors: Howard J. Pactovis, DMD and Megan Wright, RDH, MS
No conflicts of interest are reported by the author or by educational planning committee members.

Educational Objectives

• Understand how bloodborne pathogens may be transmitted in the work environment: patient to healthcare worker, healthcare worker to patient, and patient to patient.
• Apply current scientifically accepted infection prevention and control principles as appropriate for the specific work environment.
• Minimize the opportunity for transmission of pathogens to patients and healthcare workers.
• Familiarize professionals with the law requiring this training and the professional misconduct charges that may be applicable for not complying with the law.

Course Description

• Dentists
• Dental Hygienists
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Residents
• Medical Students
• Optometrists
• Physicians
• Physician Assistants
• Physician Assistant Students
• Podiatrists
• Registered Professional Nurses
• Specialist Assistants

I. Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to adhere to scientifically accepted principles and practices of infection control in all healthcare settings and to oversee and monitor those medical and ancillary personnel for whom the professional is responsible.

II. Modes and mechanisms of transmission of pathogenic organisms in the healthcare setting and strategies for prevention and control.

III. Use of engineering and work practice controls to reduce the opportunity for patient and healthcare worker exposure to potentially infectionous materials in all healthcare settings.

IV. Selection and use of barriers and/or personal protective equipment for preventing patient and healthcare worker contact with potentially infectious material.

V. Creation and maintenance of a safe environment for patient care in all healthcare settings through application of infection control principles and practices for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization.

VI. Prevention and control of infectious and communicable diseases in healthcare workers.

VII: Sepsis Awareness and Education

About the Authors

Ms. Wright is a continuing education editor and writer as well as a Temp PRN with agencies in the Washington State area. Ms. Wright earned her MS at the UNM and Pierce College of Washington State in 1997 and certification in Utilization of the 970 Diode Laser and Safety in Dentistry in February of 2015. Ms. Wright works to implement Dental Education seminars as a Hospital-Dental Liaison building collaborative, mutual efforts to promote patient wellness between medical practitioners and dentists while prioritizing care for untreated, medially compromised patients.

How to Take This Course