DA 105 Infection Control

This course covers methods and techniques to avoid cross contamination in a dental setting. Students will learn infection control terminology and practices essential for patient and operator safety, including microbiology, disease transmission, asepsis, infection control, and legalities of regulatory agencies.

Credits

2

Prerequisite

Admission to the Dental Assisting program

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe and explain the principles, concepts and steps for the following clinical functions:
a. Operation of sterilization equipment
b. Aseptic techniques used during patient treatment
c. Protection of the assistant and the operator from cross-contamination
d. Protection of patients prior to, during, and after treatment from cross-contamination
2. Discuss principles, procedures and personal behaviors designed to achieve sterilization and optimum infection control in the dental operatory
3. Describe products used and list the steps taken to ensure sterilization of instruments and to test sterilizers for microbial kill
4. Identify bloodborne pathogens and chemical hazards that present personal danger to dental healthcare workers
5. Explain the clinical significance of communicable diseases, the modes of transmission, types, epidemiology, and vaccines available for prevention
6. Discuss the rationale of the procedures outlined in the LCC Dental Exposure Control plan to eliminate hazards and/or potential transmission of infectious microorganisms during performance of patient treatment