Dental Board of California Approved

The Infection Control Certificate Program is one of the courses offered under the iEducations Dental Assistant Training Center.

Program Director:  Kris Kalindindi
Program Instructor: Bhuvaneshwari
Program Inquiry: [email protected] or 650-417-8319

Infection Control Certificate Program Course Description:

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Prerequisites: 

Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR): It is mandatory for all individuals engaged in direct patient care to hold current certification in basic life support techniques, encompassing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Re-certification must occur biennially through either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Additionally, completion of a 2-hour course on the Dental Practice Act is required.

Effective January 1, 2010, as stipulated in the California Dental Practice Act Business and Professions Code, Article 7, Section 1750 (c), the overseeing licensed dentist assumes responsibility for ensuring that each unlicensed dental assistant under their continuous employment for 120 days or longer has satisfactorily completed a board-approved training program in Dental Practice Act, basic life support, and an eight-hour course on infection control within a one-year timeframe.

Course Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the importance of infection control in a dental setting and its significance in preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.
  2. Identify and describe the regulatory agencies and guidelines governing infection control practices in dental offices, including the CDC, OSHA, and state dental boards.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the routes of microbial transmission in a dental office, including direct contact, indirect contact, and airborne transmission.
  4. Describe the principles of medical history assessment, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage in maintaining infection control.
  5. Explain the proper procedures for disinfection, cleaning, and sterilization of dental instruments, equipment, and surfaces before and after patient treatment.
  6. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of EPA-approved disinfectants and sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and chemical sterilizers.
  7. Understand the importance of monitoring sterilization processes using biological indicators and process indicators to ensure efficacy.
  8. Identify and implement strategies to minimize the risk of cross-contamination in the dental office, including the use of barriers, high-volume evacuation, and dental dams.
  9. Describe the proper management and disposal of contaminated sharps and biohazardous waste in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  10. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control protocols specific to dental radiography areas and dental laboratories.
  11. Explain the role of pre-procedural mouth rinses and maintaining dental waterlines in reducing the spread of pathogens in the dental office.
  12. Understand the significance of ongoing education and training in infection control for dental assistants to stay updated on best practices and guidelines.

These course objectives are designed to equip dental assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement infection control measures in a dental setting, ensuring the safety of both patients and dental staff.

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Course Syllabus:

  • Introduction to Infection Control in Dental Practice
    • Importance of infection control
    • Regulatory agencies and guidelines
  • Principles of Infection Control
    • Routes of microbial transmission
    • Medical history assessment
    • Hand hygiene and PPE usage
  • Disinfection and Sterilization Techniques
    • Procedures for disinfection and cleaning
    • Sterilization methods and equipment
  • Monitoring Sterilization Processes
    • Biological and process indicators
    • Documentation and record-keeping
  • Minimizing Cross-Contamination
    • Use of barriers and high-volume evacuation
    • Dental dams and pre-procedural mouth rinses
  • Specific Infection Control Protocols
    • Dental radiography areas
    • Dental laboratories
  • Sharps and Biohazardous Waste Management
    • Handling and disposal procedures
  • Ongoing Education and Training
    • Importance of staying updated on best practices

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Tuition for the 8-hour course is $395— Register now! Space is limited. First come, first served.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be issued a California Dental Association Certificate.
iEDUCATIONS IS A CALIFORNIA DENTAL BOARD-APPROVED COURSE PROVIDER THAT CERTIFIES STUDENTS IN INFECTION CONTROL PROGRAM.