DA 106W - Infection Control

Credits: 2

     A.          Discuss the contribution of early pioneers in microbiology.

     B.          Describe and explain the importance of studying microbiology from a dental assistant's viewpoint.

     C.          Identify the types of bacteria and their shapes.

     D.          List the major groups of microorganisms.

     E.          Compare the differences between aerobes, anaerobes, and facultative anaerobes.

     F.           Identify various infectious diseases.

     G.          Identify the most resistant form of life known and explain how it survives.

     H.          Compare viruses with bacteria and give examples of each.

     I.            Discuss specificity in relation to viruses.

     J.           Compare prions with viruses and bacteria.

2.    Explain the transmission of diseases and the means to control them.

     A.          Describe the differences between chronic infection and an acute infection.

     B.          Describe the types of immunity and give examples of each.

     C.          Give an example of a latent infection.

     D.          Identify the links in the chain of infection.

     E.          Describe the methods of disease transmission in the dental environment.

     F.           Describe the components of an OSHA/MIOSHA Exposure Control Plan.

     G.         Review the current OSHA/MIOSHA regulations obtained online.

     H.         Explain the rational for universal standard precautions.

     I.          Identify the categories of risk for occupational exposure.

     J.          Describe the first aid necessary after an exposure incident.

     K.          Discuss the rational for Hepatitis B vaccination for dental staff.

     L.          Explain the importance of hand care for dental assistants.

     M.         Discuss and demonstrate the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for dental staff.

     N.         Identify the various types of gloves used in a dental office.

     O.         Explain the types and symptoms of latex reactions.

3.    Explain the aspects of disinfection.

     A.          Explain why dental treatment room surfaces need barriers or disinfection.

     B.          List the types of surfaces in the dental office typically covered with barriers.

     C.          Describe the two methods to deal with surface contamination.

     D.         Explain the differences between disinfection and sterilization.

     E.          Explain the difference between a disinfectant and an antiseptic.

     F.          Name the government agency that is responsible for registering disinfectants.

     G.         Compare the advantages and disadvantages of various disinfectants.

     H.          Identify chemical products used as disinfectants.

     I.           Explain the process of cleaning and disinfecting a treatment room.

     J.          Explain the process of precleaning contaminated dental instruments.

4.    Explain the aspects of instrument processing and sterilization.

     A.          Discuss the seven steps in processing dental instruments.

     B.          Describe the three most common methods of heat sterilization and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

     C.          Understand the precautions necessary when packaging materials for sterilization.

     D.          Describe the steps in sterilization of the high-speed dental handpiece.

     E.          Explain thedifferences between process indicators and process integrators.

     F.           Describe the methods of biological monitoring.

     G.          Explain the primary disadvantage of flash monitoring.

     H.          Explain how sterilization failures can occur.

     I.            Explain the limitation of chemical liquid storylands.

     J.           Describe the classification of instrument use to determine the type of processing.

     K.          Explain the purpose of a holding solution.

     L.          Understand the safety precautions necessary when operating an ultrasonic cleaner.

5.    Describe the regulatory and advisory agencies’ role in infection control.

     A.          Explain the difference between regulations and recommendations.

     B.          Identify four professional sources for dental information.

     C.          Name the premier infection control educaitonal organization in dentistry.

     D.          Identify and compare the roles of the CDC, EPA, NIOSH, OSHA, MIOSHA, OSAP, FDA, and ADA concerning infection control.

6.    Explain chemical and waste management in the dental environment.

     A.          Describe potential long-term and short-term effects of exposure to chemicals.

     B.          Explain the components of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.

     C.          Describe three common methods of chemical exposure.

     D.          Describe the components of a hazard communication program.

     E.          Explain the purpose of a material safety data sheet.

     F.           Explain labeling of secondary container.

     G.          Describe the difference between chronic and acute chemical exposure.

     H.           Identify four methods of personal protection against chemical exposure.

     I.            Describe how various chemicals should be stored.

     J.           Discuss the record keeping requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard.

     K.          Identify types of handling of regulated and toxic waste generated in a dental office.

7.    Identify methods to reduce contamination of dental unit waterlines.

     A.          Discuss why dental units have more bacteria than faucets.

     B.          Explain the role of biofilm in dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination.

     C.          List the factors in bacterial contamination of dental unit water.

     D.          Identify the primary source of microorganisms in dental unit water.

     E.          Discuss the methods to reduce bacterial contamination in dental unit waterlines.

8.    Apply basic infection control procedures required for patient contact consistent with published guidelines.

     A.          Demonstrate hand hygiene technique.

     B.          Demonstrate donning PPE.

     C.          Demonstrate Pre- and Post-patient treatment room procedures .

     D.          Prepare instruments for reprocessing.

     E.          Sterilize specific instruments.