Introduction to Session I

This online course is Part I of the 8-hour Infection Control Training for Unregistered Dental Assistants. The information includes all aspects of infection control in a dental healthcare setting including disinfection and sterilization, universal & standard precautions, and operatory set-up and clean-up. Successful completion of Part I will prepare you for Part II, the  4-hour in-person clinical application and assessment session.

This online section is self-paced and should take you approximately 4 hours to complete.

Please note: in order to participate in Part II, you will need to pass the online test covering Part I which is given at the end of this online course. You must complete each session/section to move on to the next session/section and to take the test

Definitions of Acronyms Used in Session I

• DBC – The Dental Board of California
• DHCP – Dental Health Care Personnel
• DHS – Dental Health Care Setting
• CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• OSHA – Occupational Safety & Health Administration
• CAL/OSHA – California Occupational Safety & Health Administration
• EPA – Environmental Protection Agency
• FDA- Food and Drug Administration
• OSAP- Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention
• PPE- Personal Protective Equipment

Session I Learning Objectives (LOs)

Upon completion of Session I, students will be able to:

1. Explain the importance of implementing Minimum Standards for Infection Control in the Dental Healthcare Setting (DHS);
2. Describe the role of Recommending & Regulatory agencies in infection control;
3. Understand Dental healthcare personnel’s (DHCP) responsibility to comply with and incorporate the Minimum Standards in their daily work practices;
4. Describe potential effects of not incorporating Minimum Standards for Infection Control;
5. Define the causes of infection and the different types of microorganisms that contribute to infection in the dental healthcare environment;
6. Explain the chain of infection and modes of disease transmission;
7. Summarize strategies and practices for prevention and control of pathogens;
8. Describe the post-management procedures and follow-up for exposure injuries;
9. Explain the different types of waste generated in a dental office, and the correct way to handle, store, and dispose of the various types of waste using infection control guidelines;
10. Describe proper hand hygiene procedures for DHC Explain and demonstrate the correct techniques for placing (donning), wearing, and removing personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to effectively protect against splatter, splash, and aerosol contamination;
11. Describe and perform proper disinfecting techniques for clinical contact surfaces;
    1. Understand and demonstrate proper methods to disinfect and sterilize patient care items according to infection control guidelines;
12. Identify and perform specific requirements to maintain safe dental unit waterlines;
13. Demonstrate correct infection control disinfection and protection strategies when performing laboratory procedures.