Infection Control: Clinical Procedures in the Dental Office
Center for Continuing Dental Education

INFECTION CONTROL: CLINICAL PROCEDURES IN THE DENTAL OFFICE

Course Description

The ideal features of dental office infection control procedures and hazard communication protocol are outlined in this course, following OSHA regulations, and CDC/ADA recommendations.  Model plans for OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communication Standards are outlined, and equipment disinfection, instrument sterilization, monitoring of sterilization equipment, and dental unit waterline asepsis are highlighted.

Course Learning Objectives

The Learner will be able to:

1. Cite key regulations in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard that are important to dental personnel, including:

• Exposure Control Plan
• Universal/Standard precautions
• Engineering and work practice controls
• Personal protective equipment
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
• Training and communication of hazards to employees

2. Cite key regulations in the OSHA Hazard Communication standard that are important to dental personnel, including:

• Office policy
• Container labeling
• Material Safety Date Sheets
• Employee training

3. Describe ADA and CDC recommendations for ideal infection control in the following areas:

• Surface disinfection
• Sterilization procedures and monitoring
• Dental unit waterline quality and maintenance

This interactive program includes multiple-choice questions which provide you with immediate feedback to allow you to assess your knowledge of the topics presented. You will find these are helpful in successfully passing the post-test which must be completed with a score of at least 80% in order to receive continuing education credit.

The information in this course is a review of regulations and recommendations on infection control procedures in dental settings, and highlights the more common concerns dental personnel have about these.  The course does not cover all regulations, and you are encouraged to refer to complete information about them.  In the "More Resources" box to the right you will find the primary resources that will be most useful. These websites are also listed in the "Internet Resources" handout at the end of the course, and you may print it for future reference. The online course "Infection Control: Protection for the Dental Team and Patient" provides further instruction on many of the elements of the Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communication standards.

Note: To navigate easily and view all information contained in the course, you should allow blocked content on your internet browser. When viewing links to websites, click on the back arrow to return to this course.

INTRODUCTION

Dental personnel should differentiate between "regulations" and "recommendations" that relate to infection control practices in the dental setting:

Regulations (required by law; there is authority to enforce them, and fines and penalties for non-compliance):

• US Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

o      Sets and enforces workplace and health standards that protect employees

o      The Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) and Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) standards will be explored in this course

o      Employer's Role:  to comply with the law and provide a safe working environment for employees

o      Employee's Role:  to follow the standards and assist employers in implementing exposure control plans and hazard communication programs

• FDA Food and Drug Administration (Dept. of Health & Human Services)

o      Regulates the safety and effectiveness of drugs, vaccines, biological products, disinfectants, medical devices, radiology equipment, and other medical and consumer products

• EPA Environmental Protection Agency

o      Sets standards for a safe and healthy environment, such as safe drinking water standards

o      Registers and classifies antimicrobial disinfecting products

• Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH)

o      Sets state standards, enforces regulations, provides consultation and training

o      http://www.ica.state.az.us/Divisions/osha/index.html

• Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners

o      Substantive Policy Statement: Infection Disease Control In The Dental Office

o      http://www.azdentalboard.org/pdfdocuments/substantive_policy.pdf

o      Sanctions and disciplinary action may be taken against licensees if standards are not met

Recommendations (no authority to enforce; evidence-based guidelines developed by recognized experts):

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP)

o      CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)

• American Dental Association

• ADA/OSHA Alliance

o      Formal alliance to promote better working conditions for dental employees

o      Promotes sound ergonomic techniques and practices

• Office Safety and Asepsis Procedures Research Foundation (OSAP)

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS STANDARD – MODEL EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

This portion of the course will highlight key components of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standards.  The following model for an Exposure Control Plan includes all elements required by the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030). The intent of this model is to provide employers with an easy-to-use format that may be used as a template to develop a written exposure control plan tailored to the individual requirements of their office or facility. A copy of this model, and a copy of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is provided in the "Handouts" to the right which you may copy and edit for use in your office.  The areas in italics should be completed for your individualized Exposure Control Plan. Review this model to prepare for the questions at the end of this section of the course, as well as the Post-Test.

Model Exposure Control Plan

Policy

The (Your office or facility name) is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for our entire staff. In pursuit of this goal, the following exposure control plan (ECP) is provided to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1030, "Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens."

The ECP is a key document to assist our organization in implementing and ensuring compliance with the standard, thereby protecting our employees. This ECP includes:

• Determination of employee exposure
• Implementation of various methods of exposure control, including:Universal precautionsEngineering and work practice controlsPersonal protective equipmentHousekeeping
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
• Communication of hazards to employees and training
• Recordkeeping
• Procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents

Implementation methods for these elements of the standard are discussed in the subsequent pages of this ECP.

Program Administration

• (Name of responsible person or department) is (are) responsible for implementation of the ECP. (Name of responsible person or department) will maintain, review, and update the ECP at least annually, and whenever necessary to include new or modified tasks and procedures. Contact location/phone number: __________.
• Those employees who are determined to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) must comply with the procedures and work practices outlined in this ECP.
• (Name of responsible person or department) will provide and maintain all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering controls (e.g., sharps containers), labels, and red bags as required by the standard. (Name of responsible person or department) will ensure that adequate supplies of the aforementioned equipment are available in the appropriate sizes. Contact location/phone number: __________.
• (Name of responsible person or department) will be responsible for ensuring that all medical actions required by the standard are performed and that appropriate employee health and OSHA records are maintained. Contact location/phone number: __________.
• (Name of responsible person or department) will be responsible for training, documentation of training, and making the written ECP available to employees, OSHA, and NIOSH representatives. Contact location/phone number: __________.

Employee Exposure Determination

The following is a list of all job classifications at our establishment in which all employees have occupational exposure:

Example:

 The following is a list of job classifications in which some employees at our establishment have occupational exposure. Included is a list of tasks and procedures, or groups of closely related tasks and procedures, in which occupational exposure may occur for these individuals:

Example:

NOTE: Part-time, temporary, contract and per diem employees are covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard. The ECP should describe how the standard will be met for these employees.

Methods Of Implementation And Control

Universal Precautions: All employees will utilize universal/standard precautions.

Exposure Control Plan: Employees covered by the bloodborne pathogens standard receive an explanation of this ECP during their initial training session. It will also be reviewed in their annual refresher training. All employees can review this plan at any time during their work shifts by contacting (Name of responsible person or department). If requested, we will provide an employee with a copy of the ECP free of charge and within 15 days of the request.

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for reviewing and updating the ECP annually or more frequently if necessary to reflect any new or modified tasks and procedures that affect occupational exposure and to reflect new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.

Engineering Controls and Work Practices:  Engineering controls and work practice controls will be used to prevent or minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The specific engineering controls and work practice controls used are listed below:

example:

• safer versions of sharp devices are researched annually
• instruments are cleaned & sterilized in cassettes to reduce handling
• instruments are cleaned ultrasonically rather by hand
• needle guards are provided
• sharps containers are available in each operatory

Sharps disposal containers are inspected and maintained or replaced by (Name of responsible person or department) every (list frequency) or whenever necessary to prevent overfilling.

This facility identifies the need for changes in engineering controls and work practices through (Examples: Review of OSHA records, employee interviews, committee activities, etc.)

We evaluate new procedures and new products regularly by (Describe the process, literature reviewed, supplier info, products considered)

Both front-line workers and management officials are involved in this process in the following manner: (Describe employees' involvement)

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for ensuring that these recommendations are implemented.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  PPE is provided to our employees at no cost to them. Training in the use of the appropriate PPE for specific tasks or procedures is provided by (Name of responsible person or department).

The types of PPE available to employees are as follows:

(gloves, eye protection, masks, lab coat, etc.)

PPE is located (List location) and may be obtained through (Name of responsible person or department). (Specify how employees will obtain PPE and who is responsible for ensuring that PPE is available.)

All employees using PPE must observe the following precautions:

• Wash hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves or other PPE.
• Remove PPE after it becomes contaminated and before leaving the work area.
• Used PPE may be disposed of in (List appropriate containers for storage, laundering, decontamination, or disposal.)
• Wear appropriate gloves when it is reasonably anticipated that there may be hand contact with blood or OPIM, and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces; replace gloves if torn, punctured or contaminated, or if their ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
• Utility gloves may be decontaminated for reuse if their integrity is not compromised; discard utility gloves if they show signs of cracking, peeling, tearing, puncturing, or deterioration.
• Never wash or decontaminate disposable gloves for reuse.
• Wear appropriate face and eye protection when splashes, sprays, spatters, or droplets of blood or OPIM pose a hazard to the eye, nose, or mouth.
• Remove immediately or as soon as feasible any garment contaminated by blood or OPIM, in such a way as to avoid contact with the outer surface.

The procedure for handling used PPE is as follows:

(may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review; include how and where to decontaminate face shields, eye protection, etc.)

Housekeeping: Regulated waste is placed in containers which are closable, constructed to contain all contents and prevent leakage, appropriately labeled or color-coded (see the following section "Labels"), and closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of contents during handling.

The procedure for handling sharps disposal containers is: (may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review)

The procedure for handling other regulated waste is: (may refer to specific procedure by title or number and last date of review) (Note:  Arizona law requires that biohazardous waste, including sharps containers, be labeled, and then disposed of by sterilization or incineration)

Contaminated sharps are discarded immediately or as soon as possible in containers that are closable, puncture-resistant, leak proof on sides and bottoms, and appropriately labeled or color-coded. Sharps disposal containers are available at (must be easily accessible and as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used).

Bins and pails (e.g., wash or emesis basins) are cleaned and decontaminated as soon as feasible after visible contamination.

Broken glassware that may be contaminated is only picked up using mechanical means, such as a brush and dustpan.

Laundry: The following contaminated articles will be laundered by this office/facility: (list the articles, eg., lab coats)

Laundering will be performed by (Name of responsible person or department) at (time and/or location).

The following laundering requirements must be met:

• handle contaminated laundry as little as possible, with minimal agitation
• place wet contaminated laundry in leak-proof, labeled or color-coded containers before transport. Use (specify either red bags or bags marked with the biohazard symbol) for this purpose.
• wear the following PPE when handling and/or sorting contaminated laundry: (List appropriate PPE).

Labels: The following labeling methods are used in this facility:

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for ensuring that warning labels are affixed or red bags are used as required if regulated waste or contaminated equipment is brought into the facility. Employees are to notify (Name of responsible person or department) if they discover regulated waste containers, refrigerators containing blood or OPIM, contaminated equipment, etc., without proper labels.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

(Name of responsible person or department) will provide training to employees on hepatitis B vaccinations, addressing safety, benefits, efficacy, methods of administration, and availability.

The hepatitis B vaccination series is available at no cost after initial employee training and within 10 days of initial assignment to all employees identified in the exposure determination section of this plan. Vaccination is encouraged unless: 1) documentation exists that the employee has previously received the series; 2) antibody testing reveals that the employee is immune; or 3) medical evaluation shows that vaccination is contraindicated.

However, if an employee declines the vaccination, the employee must sign a declination form. Employees who decline may request and obtain the vaccination at a later date at no cost. Documentation of refusal of the vaccination is kept at (List location).

Vaccination will be provided by (List health care professional responsible for this part of the plan) at (location).

Following the medical evaluation, a copy of the health care professional's written opinion will be obtained and provided to the employee within 15 days of the completion of the evaluation. It will be limited to whether the employee requires the hepatitis vaccine and whether the vaccine was administered.

Post-Exposure Evaluation And Follow-Up

Should an exposure incident occur, contact (Name of responsible person) at the following number ____________________ .

An immediately available confidential medical evaluation and follow-up will be conducted by (name of licensed health care professional). Following initial first aid (clean the wound, flush eyes or other mucous membrane, etc.), the following activities will be performed:

• Document the routes of exposure and how the exposure occurred.
• Identify and document the source individual (unless the employer can establish that identification is infeasible or prohibited by state or local law).
• Obtain consent and make arrangements to have the source individual tested as soon as possible to determine HIV, HCV, and HBV infectivity; document that the source individual's test results were conveyed to the employee's health care provider.
• If the source individual is already known to be HIV, HCV and/or HBV positive, new testing need not be performed.
• Assure that the exposed employee is provided with the source individual's test results and with information about applicable disclosure laws and regulations concerning the identity and infectious status of the source individual (e.g., laws protecting confidentiality).
• After obtaining consent, collect exposed employee's blood as soon as feasible after exposure incident, and test blood for HBV and HIV serological status
• If the employee does not give consent for HIV serological testing during collection of blood for baseline testing, preserve the baseline blood sample for at least 90 days; if the exposed employee elects to have the baseline sample tested during this waiting period, perform testing as soon as feasible.

Administration Of Post-Exposure Evaluation And Follow-Up

(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that health care professional(s) responsible for employee's hepatitis B vaccination and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are given a copy of OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard.

(Name of responsible person or department) ensures that the health care professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident receives the following:

• a description of the employee's job duties relevant to the exposure incident
• route(s) of exposure
• circumstances of exposure
• if possible, results of the source individual's blood test
• relevant employee medical records, including vaccination status

(Name of responsible person or department) provides the employee with a copy of the evaluating health care professional's written opinion within 15 days after completion of the evaluation.

Procedures For Evaluating The Circumstances Surrounding An Exposure Incident

(Name of responsible person or department) will review the circumstances of all exposure incidents to determine:

• engineering controls in use at the time
• work practices followed
• a description of the device being used (including type and brand)
• protective equipment or clothing that was used at the time of the exposure incident (eg., gloves, eye shields, etc.)
• location of the incident (eg., patient room, etc.)
• procedure being performed when the incident occurred
• employee's training

(Name of Responsible Person) will record all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps in a Sharps Injury Log.

If revisions to this ECP are necessary (Responsible person or department) will ensure that appropriate changes are made. (Changes may include an evaluation of safer devices, adding employees to the exposure determination list, etc.)

Employee Training

All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens receive initial and annual training conducted by (Name of responsible person or department). (Attach a brief description of their qualifications.)

All employees who have occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens receive training on the epidemiology, symptoms, and transmission of bloodborne pathogen diseases. In addition, the training program covers, at a minimum, the following elements:

• a copy and explanation of the OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard
• an explanation of our ECP and how to obtain a copy
• an explanation of methods to recognize tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood and OPIM, including what constitutes an exposure incident
• an explanation of the use and limitations of engineering controls, work practices, and PPE
• an explanation of the types, uses, location, removal, handling, decontamination, and disposal of PPE
• an explanation of the basis for PPE selection
• information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of administration, the benefits of being vaccinated, and that the vaccine will be offered free of charge
• information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood or OPIM
• an explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available
• information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for the employee following an exposure incident
• an explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding required by the standard and used at this facility
• an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.

Training materials for this facility are available at (name location).

Recordkeeping

Training Records: Training records are completed for each employee upon completion of training. These documents will be kept for at least three years at (Location of records).

The training records include:

• the dates of the training sessions
• the contents or a summary of the training sessions
• the names and qualifications of persons conducting the training
• the names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions

Employee training records are provided upon request to the employee or the employee's authorized representative within 15 working days. Such requests should be addressed to (Name of responsible person or department).

Medical Records:  Medical records are maintained for each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020, "Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records."

(Name of responsible person or department) is responsible for maintenance of the required medical records. These confidential records are kept in (List location) for at least the duration of employment plus 30 years.

Employee medical records are provided upon request of the employee or to anyone having written consent of the employee within 15 working days. Such requests should be sent to (Name of responsible person or department and address).

OSHA Recordkeeping:  An exposure incident is evaluated to determine if the case meets OSHA's Recordkeeping Requirements (29 CFR 1904). This determination and the recording activities are done by (Name of responsible person or department).

Sharps Injury Log:  In addition to the 1904 Recordkeeping Requirements, all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps are also recorded in a Sharps Injury Log. All incidences must include at least:

• date of the injury
• type and brand of the device involved (syringe, suture needle)
• department or work area where the incident occurred
• explanation of how the incident occurred.

This log is reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation and maintained for at least five years following the end of the calendar year covered. If a copy is requested by anyone, it must have any personal identifiers removed from the report.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination (Mandatory part of the Exposure Control Plan)

I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, at no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B vaccination at this time. I understand that by declining this vaccine, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If in the future I continue to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine, I can receive the vaccination series at no charge to me.

Signed: (Employee Name)________________ Date:________________

Review Questions

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Review Questions

Review Questions

HAZARD COMMUNICATION and MODEL PROGRAM

Hazard Communication Standard

The following model Hazard Communication Program is based on the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. While the Bloodborne Pathogens standard protects employees from bloodborne biohazards, the Hazard Communication standard ensures the health and safety of employees who work with other types of hazardous chemicals and materials.  The intent of this model is to provide an easy-to-use format to tailor to the specific requirements of your office or facility. A copy of this model is provided in the "Handout" to the right which you may copy and edit for use in your office.  The full text of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard is located at the website designated in the box on the right.

The areas in italics should be completed for your individualized HAZCOM program. Review this model to prepare for the questions at the end of this section of the course, as well as the Post-Test.

Model Hazard Communication Program

Office/facility Policy

To ensure that information about the dangers of all hazardous chemicals used by (Name of Office/facility) is known by all affected employees, the following hazardous information program has been established. Under this program, you will be informed of the contents of the OSHA Hazard Communications standard, the hazardous properties of chemicals with which you work, safe handling procedures and measures to take to protect yourself from these chemicals.

This program applies to all work operations in our office/facility where you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation. All work units of this office/facility will participate in the Hazard Communication Program. Copies of the Hazard Communication Program are available in the (location) for review by any interested employee.

(Name of responsible person and/or position) is the program coordinator, with overall responsibility for the program, including reviewing and updating this plan as necessary.

Container Labeling

(Name of responsible person and/or position) will verify that all containers received for use will be clearly labeled as to the contents, note the appropriate hazard warning, and list the manufacturer's name and address.

The (name of responsible person and/or position) in each section will ensure that all secondary containers are labeled with either an extra copy of the original manufacturer's label or with labels marked with the identity and the appropriate hazard warning. For help with labeling, see (name of responsible person and/or position).

On the following individual stationary process containers, we are using (description of labeling system used) rather than a label to convey the required information:

(List containers here)

We are using an in-house labeling system that relies on (describe any in-house system which uses numbers or graphics to convey hazard information).

The (name of responsible person and/or position) will review the office/facility labeling procedures every (provide a time period) and will update labels as required.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

The (name of responsible person and/or position) is responsible for establishing and monitoring the office/facility MSDS program. He/she will ensure that procedures are developed to obtain the necessary MSDSs and will review incoming MSDSs for new or significant health and safety information. He/she will see that any new information is communicated to affected employees. The procedure below will be followed when an MSDS is not received at the time of initial shipment:

(Describe procedure to be followed here)

Copies of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals to which employees are exposed or are potentially exposed will be kept in (identify location).

MSDSs will be readily available to all employees during each work shift. If an MSDS is not available, contact (name of responsible person and/or position).

MSDSs will be readily available to employees in each work area using the following format:

(Describe office/facility format here)

Note: If an alternative to paper copies of MSDSs is used, describe the format and how employees can access them.

When revised MSDSs are received, the following procedures will be followed to replace old MSDSs:

(Describe procedures)

Employee Training and Information

(Name of responsible person and/or position) is responsible for the Hazard Communication Program and will ensure that all program elements are carried out.

Everyone who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals will receive initial training on the hazard communication standard and this plan before starting work. Each new employee will attend a health and safety orientation that includes the following information and training:

• An overview of the OSHA hazard communication standard
• The hazardous chemicals present at his/her work area
• The physical and health risks of the hazardous chemicals
• Symptoms of overexposure
• How to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area
• How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals through use of control procedures, work practices and personal protective equipment
• Steps the (office/facility) has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to hazardous chemicals
• How to read labels and MSDSs to obtain hazard information
• Location of the MSDS file and written Hazard Communication program

Prior to introducing a new chemical hazard into any section of this office/facility, each employee in that section will be given information and training as outlined above for the new chemical hazard. The training format will be as follows:

(Describe training format, such as audiovisuals, interactive computer programs, classroom instruction, etc.)

Hazardous Non-routine Tasks

Periodically, employees are required to perform non-routine tasks that are hazardous. Examples of non-routine tasks are: confined space entry, tank cleaning, and painting reactor vessels. Prior to starting work on such projects, each affected employee will be given information by (Name of responsible person and/or position) about the hazardous chemicals he or she may encounter during such activity. This information will include specific chemical hazards, protective and safety measures the employee should use, and steps the office/facility is taking to reduce the hazards, including ventilation, respirators, the presence of another employee (buddy systems), and emergency procedures.

Examples of non-routine tasks performed by employees of this office/facility are:

Informing Other Employers/Contractors

It is the responsibility of (Name of responsible person and/or position) to provide other employers and contractors with information about hazardous chemicals that their employees may be exposed to on a job site and suggested precautions for employees. It is the responsibility of (Name of responsible person and/or position) to obtain information about hazardous chemicals used by other employers to which employees of this office/facility may be exposed.

Other employers and contractors will be provided with MSDSs for hazardous chemicals generated by this office/facility's operations in the following manner:

(Describe office/facility policy here)

In addition to providing a copy of an MSDS to other employers, other employers will be informed of necessary precautionary measures to protect employees exposed to operations performed by this office/facility.

Also, other employers will be informed of the hazard labels used by the office/facility. If symbolic or numerical labeling systems are used, the other employees will be provided with information to understand the labels used for hazardous chemicals for which their employees may have exposure.

List of Hazardous Chemicals

A list of all known hazardous chemicals used by our employees is attached to this plan. This list includes the name of the chemical, the manufacturer, the work area in which the chemical is used, dates of use, and quantity used. Further information on each chemical may be obtained from the MSDSs, located in (identify location).

When new chemicals are received, this list is updated (including date the chemicals were introduced) within 30 days. To ensure any new chemical is added in a timely manner, the following procedures shall be followed:

(Identify procedures to be followed)

The hazardous chemical inventory is compiled and maintained by (Name of responsible person and/or position and telephone number).

Chemicals in Unlabeled Pipes

Work activities are sometimes performed by employees in areas where chemicals are transferred through unlabeled pipes (example:  Nitrous Oxide). Prior to starting work in these areas, the employee shall contact (Name of responsible person and/or position) for information regarding:

• The chemical in the pipes
• Potential hazards
• Required safety precautions

Include here the chemical list developed during the inventory. Arrange this list so that you are able to cross-reference it with your MSDS file and the labels on your containers. Additional useful information, such as the manufacturer's telephone number, an emergency number, scientific name, CAS number, the associated task, etc., can be included.

Program Availability

A copy of this program will be made available, upon request, to employees and their representatives.

Review Questions

INFECTION CONTROL BEST PRACTICES

In this part of the course, a few key components of an ideal infection control program will be discussed. Portions of the "Infection Control & Safety Policy" that is in operation at the Phoenix College Dental Clinic will be used as an example, as the established criteria are all evidence-based and have been proven to work effectively with students, faculty, staff and patients.

CDC Categories of Chemical Disinfectants*

* The document CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings 2003, Appendix C, Methods for Sterilizing and Disinfecting Patient-Care Items and Environmental Surfaces, gives an excellent summary of disinfectant products.

Infection Control Best Practices

Classification of Inanimate Objects

Infection Control Best Practices

 Methods of Sterilization

Infection Control Best Practices

POST TEST

Upon completion of this post-test with a score of 80% or better, you will receive a certificate (within 2 weeks) stating your successful completion of 2 continuing education clock hours of credit.  You are encouraged to go back through the course to review questions that you have answered incorrectly, and you will be allowed to re-take questions you have missed to improve your score.

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Upon completion of all Post-Test questions, click on the Next Page ("Conclusion, Credits, Contact Information"), and scroll down to the bottom of the page to enter your full name. Then click on "Email Score", and your score will be forwarded to the Center for Continuing Dental Education so that you may receive credit for the course. Remember, your score must be 80% or better to receive CE credit.

Conclusion, Credits, Contact Information

This concludes "Infection Control:  Clinical Procedures in the Dental Office".

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to enter your full name. Then click on "Email Score", and your score will be forwarded to the Center for Continuing Dental Education so that you may receive credit for the course. Remember, your score must be 80% or better to receive CE credit.

You will receive a certificate within 2 weeks stating your successful completion of 2 continuing education clock hours of credit.  If you have not yet officially registered or paid your registration fee for the course, please contact the Center for Continuing Education (see below) immediately so that you may receive credit.

References

Miller and Palenik, Infection Control and Management of Hazardous Materials for the Dental Team, 3rd Edition, 2004

Molinari and Harte, Cottone's Practical Infection Control in Dentistry, 2009

Wilkins EM, Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 10^th Edition, 2008

Special recognition is given to Debby Kurtz-Weidinger, RDH, MEd for her original development of the course "Dental Office Infection Control" upon which this course is based.

Internet Resources (See "Handouts" to the right; you may print these for future reference)

Contact information:

Your comments and feedback about this course are welcome.  See the contact information below to comment or to find out about additional programs and courses offered by the Center for Continuing Dental Education.

Phoenix College Department of Dental Programs

Center for Continuing Dental Education

1202 W. Thomas Road

Phoenix, AZ  85013

602-285-7331

Email:  Diana.richardson@pcmail.maricopa.edu

Website:  www.pc.maricopa.edu/departments/dental