OVERVIEW

Quality Resource Guide: Infection Control and OSHA Update Part One (4th Edition) is organized by MetLife.

Originally published: July 2009
Updated and revised: October 2012, October 2015 and October 2018
Expiration date: October 2021

Accreditation:
MetLife designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit for the review of this Quality Resource Guide and successful completion of the post test.

Course Description:
A medical history does not identify all “infectious patients” in the dental office. Therefore, Standard Precautions must be used when providing care to all patients. Part One of this two part Guide discusses the history of: 1) infectious diseases and the healthcare worker; 2) the development of guidelines by the Center for Disease Control to protect both the patient and the healthcare worker; and 3) the OSHA regulations that impact the dental office. It discusses Standard Precautions for use during dental care, as well as vaccine recommendations and management of dental waterlines. A companion Guide, “Infection Control and OSHA Update Part Two” outlines specific infection control procedures for the dental office. It is suggested that Part One be thoroughly reviewed by the clinician before reading Part Two.

Educational Objectives:
• Understand the rationale for effective infection control precautions.
• Distinguish between OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens regulations and recommended isolation (i.e., transmission based), universal and standard precautions.
• Discuss the most current health-care professional recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination.
• Describe biofilm accumulation and infection control challenges in dental devices that use water and possible approaches to minimize potential risks.

Additional details will be posted as soon as they are available.