Infection Prevention and Control Resources for Dental Healthcare Settings
Recommended Documents and Resources for Planning,
Training and Quality Assurance
Updated February 15, 2014
Kathy Eklund
keklund@forsyth.org
Note to users: This guide is organized by topic and by agency. Some of the resources and websites are
repeated when applicable to different sections of this handout. It is important to routinely update this
resource to ensure current and accurate information.
Collect and maintain updated file copies of regulatory standards
including State and Federal Law
State or Province Dental Law / Practice Act and associated Rules & Regulations.
Review the specific dental practice law for your state or province. For example: state law may use
the latest CDC Guidelines as the “standard of care”, or list specific requirements for infection control
training, or mandates for frequency of sterilizer testing.
State Public Health Law:
Some states have additional mandates not included in Dental Practice Act.
North Carolina is one example.
Guidelines and Resources from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC) www.cdc.gov
U. S. Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental
Health-Care Settings – 2003” – Guideline Document: www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pd f or
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/guidelines/index.htm
Other CDC Infection Oral Health Infection Prevention and Control Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm
Federal OSHA Standards
The focus is worker safety. Institutions must inform employees that the standards exist & how to
access at their institution (if electronic, must be easy to access). It is recommended to keep a set of
hard copies for quick access.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) sets rules for protective attire, sharps
safety and more. To find OSHA documents and other materials on-line:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/control.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
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1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens [related topic page]
1910.1200, Hazard communication [related topic page]
1910.132, Personal protective equipment, general requirements [related topic page]
1910.133, Eye and face protection [related topic page]
1910.37, Maintenance, safeguards, and operational features for exit routes
1910.106, Flammable and combustible liquids
1910.138, Hand Protection
1910.242, Hand and portable powered tools and equipment, general [related topic page]
1910.141, Sanitation
1910.151, Medical services and first aid [related topic page]
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The Standard: This is the link to the full Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051
Recordkeeping - including a model sharps injury log: Go to
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3187/osha3187.html
http://osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html
A model exposure control plan organizes the required information in a fill-in-the-blank template:
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_2-2_69_APPD.pdf
The full enforcement directive document may be seen at:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVES&p_id=2570
The Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires training for chemicals and
other hazards in the dental workplace. The General Duty Clause cites requirements for exits,
emergency evacuations, etc. Full text of the Standard available at:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
Other OSHA online resources for dental hazards include:
Nitrous Oxide / anesthetic gases:
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/anestheticgases/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nitoxide.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noxidalr.html
State OSHA Plans:
The following states have approved OSHA State Plans:
Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan,
Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming.
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands plans cover public sector (state and local
government workers) only.
http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/osp/index.html
EPA Regulations.
Hazardous waste management, waste water treatment, etc.
Federal regulations prevail unless your region or state has unique EPA regulations.
Your institution or campus safety manager may be a resource for local / state regulations.
Special dental issues include disposal of biohazard waste and chemical waste such as mercury /
amalgam and radiographic processing wastes. For example, some states require amalgam
separators. Waste disposal and EPA regulations may be cited in state Dental Practice Law.
www.epa.gov
Collect print copies of “Must Have” Guidelines and Forms
U. S. Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
“Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings – 2003” –
www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdf
This document is frequently cited as the “standard of care”. Provides evidence based guidance for
many aspects of infection control management. Includes continuing education, references. Use in
conjunction with OSHA Standards to produce a complete Infection Control and Safety Compliance
Policy. Tip: Obtain print copies for key institution / clinic personnel (clinic managers, clinic
coordinators, Associate Clinical Deans).
Free individual print copies may also be obtained by calling: 770.488.6054.
U. S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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OSHA Standards: “General Duty Clause”, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Hazard Communications.
At least one print copy of each standard should be kept on file.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
OSHA Compliance Assistance on-line program: “Quickstarts”
This is not a separate set of regulations but OSHA’s version of a “Guide to the Standards”.
This step by step guide has a specific section on Healthcare and links the user to most of the OSHA
compliance forms.
http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/compliance_assistance/quickstarts/index.html
OSAP – Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention
From Policy to Practice: OSAP’s Guide to the Guidelines.
This 170 page workbook contains practical information to assist health care professionals in
implementing the CDC Guidelines. The workbook was produced by OSAP through a CDC
cooperative agreement. The workbook may be ordered from the OSAP on-line “store” at
www.osap.org
Infection Control and Safety Guidelines Checklist
OSAP, in its January 2004 issue of Infection Control in Practice, turned the CDC Guidelines For
Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings - 2003 into a checklist.. This checklist is a valuable
resource to help practices follow these important CDC infection control guidelines.
Click HERE to download the checklist.
http://www.osap.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=370
Use Low Cost or Free Media and Training Programs
Slide Presentation on Infection Control for Dental Offices, produced by the CDC.
Slide presentation on infection control for dental offices
www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/guidelines/ppt.htm
Free slide presentation in powerpoint format produced by the Centers for Disease Control. This
program provides an overview of basic principles contained in the CDC Guidelines for Infection
Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003. It can be downloaded as a PowerPoint presentation
or viewed on the Web site. Good visuals and charts.
From Policy to Practice: OSAP’s Interactive Guide to the CDC Guidelines.
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has an on-line interactive educational tool
designed to provide education and training in basic infection control principles and the CDC Guidelines for
Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings. This is an excellent tool for entry level training and as
refresher training. There is no charge to access and view the complete course. For those who wish to be
tested on the material and earn 10 CE credits, processing fees apply. Free, self paced, modular, interactive
http://www.osap.org/?CDCGuidelinesCourse
The OSAP/Interact Training System
The OSAP Interact Training System is a comprehensive infection control and safety education and training
program. The system can be used in educational settings as well as institutional and private practice dental
settings. The system consists of individual interactive workbooks for personnel and DVD presentations that
coordinate with the workbooks. The system is designed to integrate CDC guidelines, OSHA regulations and
basic infection control principles with site-specific infection control and safety policies and procedures.
Updated March 2008. http://www.osap.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=39
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If Saliva Were Red: A Visual Lesson on Infection Control
This classic is an 8 minute video training system. Features two segments – one illustrating dental
procedures without most of the recommended barriers and practices; then another segment with
recommendations in use. Red dyes are incorporated to illustrate the otherwise invisible cross
contamination potential of saliva and other oral fluids. The program is not narrated, allowing great
flexibility in use. The program includes a trainer’s guide and is available to order from OSAP at the
on-line “store”.
If Saliva Were Red
www.osap.org
CDC Hand Hygiene Course.
Free, online interactive course in Powerpoint format with short video action clip demonstrating hand
hygiene techniques using soap and water and alcohol hand rub. Access course at:
www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/training/interactiveEducation/
WHO Hand Hygiene Resources and Materials
A range of WHO tools have been developed to complement the Five Moments approach. These
areas initially being tested in the pilot and complementary test sites. A selection of these tools are
available for downloading .
http://www.who.int/gpsc/tools/en/ WHO Report on the burden of endemic health care-associated
infection worldwide.
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Burden of endemic health-care-associated infection in developing countries: systematic
review and meta-analysis
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Report on the burden of endemic health care-associated infection worldwide [PDF
2.78Mb] The Lancet
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The global burden of disease caused by health-care associated infections
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WHO Report on the burden of endemic health care-associated infection worldwide
[pdf 2.78 Mb]
Post Exposure Protocols and Sharps Safety
CDC and U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for Management of Occupational Exposures
and Post exposure prophylaxis:
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Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to Human
Immunodeficiency Virus and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis David T. Kuhar, MD; David
K. Henderson, MD; Kimberly A. Struble, PharmD; Walid Heneine, PhD; Vasavi Thomas, RPh, MPH; Laura
W. Cheever, MD, ScM; Ahmed Gomaa, MD, ScD, MSPH; Adelisa L. Panlilio, MD and for the US Public
Health Service Working GroupInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Vol. 34, No. 9 (September
2013), pp. 875-892 Published by: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare
Epidemiology of America Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/672271
CDC Guidance for Evaluating Health-Care Personnel for Hepatitis B Virus Protection and for
Administering Postexposure Management Recommendations and Reports December 20, 2013 /
62(rr10);1-19 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6210a1.htm?s_cid=rr6210a1_w
CDC. Updated CDC recommendations for the management of hepatitis B virus-infected health-care providers
and students. MMWR 2012;61(No. RR-3). www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6103
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CDC Sharps Injury Prevention and Safety Device Evaluation Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed two sample forms (with instructions for
use) to assist dental personnel in screening and evaluating devices for clinical acceptability. These forms
have been pilot tested with focus groups of different types of dental staff members, including end users and
purchasers. To increase the safety of both dental personnel and their patients, we are making these forms
available for general use. Although these forms are specific for anesthetic syringes, they can be modified for
use with other types of dental devices. http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/forms.htm
Federal OSHA Standards OSHA web sites specific for exposure prevention and post exposure
requirements:
The focus is worker safety. Institutions must inform employees that the standards exist & how to
access at their institution (if electronic, must be easy to access). It is recommended to keep a set of
hard copies for quick access.
The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) sets rules for protective attire, sharps
safety and more. To find OSHA documents and other materials on-line:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/control.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
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1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens [related topic page]
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/postexposure.html
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements: OSHA has specific injury recordkeeping requirements
http://osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html
American Dental Association (ADA) resources for post exposure managementDocuments provides
guidance to dental employers about their responsibilities under the OSHA standard for providing postexposure evaluation and follow-up for employees exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
OSHA - American Dental Association - ADA.org
... Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up Requirements Under OSHA's
Standard for Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens. ...
www.ada.org/2721.aspx - 5k
ADA Positions, Policies & Statements - American Dental ...
... and Responsibilities (PDF) (Posted 4/19/10); ... Topic: Infection Control;
Post-Exposure Evaluation and ... Up Requirements Under OSHA's Standard for ...
www.ada.org/policiespositions.aspx - 7k
[ More results from www.ada.org ]
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PEPline: National Clinicians Post Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline
1.888.448.4911
Available 24/7. Experts can provide timely advice and reassurance regarding actual levels of risk
based on exposure factors. Does not take the place of an established procedure for referral of
exposed, injured persons. http://www.nccc.ucsf.edu/about_nccc/pepline/
Injection Safety Topics: References oriented toward medical / hospital providers.
Helpful for educational institutions with oral surgery or hospital based components.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/injectionsafety.html
Needle Safety Act and Evaluation of Safer Devices.
Includes background information, sample evaluation forms and recommendations.
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/forms.htm
Safe Injection Practices in Dentistry
Safe injection practices are a set of measures clinicians should follow to perform injections in an optimally
safe manner for patients, health care personnel, and others. CDC reminds dental practitioners of the safe
injection practices that are critical for patient safety. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/safeinjection-practices/index.htm
Device Screening and Evaluation Forms http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/forms.htm
Resources for Immunization Recommendations
CDC Immunization Resources for Healthcare Personnel
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp.htm#healthcare and
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
This site on the CDC website provides valuable information and educational and training resources for
healthcare personnel and immunizations for vaccine preventable diseases.
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Resources (publications, Vaccine Information Statements, etc.)
Immunizations for Healthcare Personnel
Immunization Schedules
Guidelines / Recommendations and Vaccine Administration
Vaccines and VPDs
Vaccine Shortages and Delays
Vaccine Storage and Handling
CDC Immunization Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel:
Visit this website for general information about immunizations for healthcare workers:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp.htm
Health-Care Personnel (11/25/11)
"Immunization of Healthcare Workers" http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6007a1.htm?s_cid=rr6007a1_e
Print version
[PDF-705KB / 48 pages] http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6007.pdf
See also: Influenza Vaccination of Health-Care Personnel
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) “Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings – 2003”
Review pages 8, 9, Recommendation #1. A. 1.
www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdf
Resource Summary Table of Immunization Recommendations for HCP www.immunize.org
Immunization Topics: Healthcare Personnel
For healthcare personnel and immunization, access the latest recommendations, news, information, and
resources from IAC, government agencies, professional ... www.immunize.org www.immunize.org/hcw/
A summary of immunization guidelines is also available at: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.pdf
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CDC Influenza http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Influenza Information for Healthcare Professionals
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm
Preventing Transmission of Pandemic Influenza and Other Viral Respiratory
Diseases: Personal Protective Equipment for Healthcare Personnel Update 2010
January 27, 2011 http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2011/Preventing-Transmission-ofPandemic-Influenza-and-Other-Viral-Respiratory-Diseases.aspx
This report for NIOSH from the Institute of Medicine assesses the progress of PPE
research and identifies future directions for PPE for healthcare personnel.
Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/2009_h1n 1.htm
CDC Guideline: Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare
Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings. ht
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Instrument Processing and Sterility Assurance:
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Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm
Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008
http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/toc.html
AAMI/ANSI ST79 Standards (Amendment 3) 2012 PDF Version located at:
http://marketplace.aami.org/eseries/PDFDocs/st79a3_1208.pdf
Hazard / Chemical Control Program Resources
The Hazard Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires training for chemicals and other
hazards in the dental workplace. The General Duty Clause cites requirements for exits, emergency
evacuations, etc. Full text of the Standard available at:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
Identify and inventory the chemical and physical hazards (compressed gases, dental materials and devices,
radiation, mercury, etc. found in your facility.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/recognition.html
Hazard communication Standard 2012 (aligns with Global Harmonization)
https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
Nitrous Oxide and other gases:
http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/anestheticgases/index.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), DHHS Publication No. 96-107,
Hazard Control HC3 (1996), 6 pages. This document presents NIOSH research that shows controls
including system maintenance, ventilation, and operations. Includes step-by-step approach to
controlling N2O exposure.
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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nitoxide.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), DHHS Publication No. 94-100
(1996, August 5), 8 pages. This alert presents control measures for preventing or greatly reducing
exposure to N2O during the administration of anesthetic gas.
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noxidalr.html
NIOSH – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(Nitrous Oxide, Lab materials, Latex, etc.)
www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/
Beryllium Hazards in Dental Laboratories
OSHA (2002, May), 42 KB PDF, 9 pages. Hazard Information Bulletin (HIB) informs employers and
employees about risk of dental laboratory technicians developing chronic beryllium disease (CBD).
http://www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib20020419.pdf
More Centers for Disease Control Infection Control Guidelines/ Documents:
CDC's Oral Health Resources site for infection control in dentistry:
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm
Frequently Asked Questions in Infection Control.
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CDC - Guide to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings ...
Note to Readers. The following document is a summary guide of infection prevention
recommendations for outpatient (ambulatory care) settings. ...
www.cdc.gov/HAI/settings/outpatient/outpatient-care-guidelines.html
Other Guidelines for Protecting Patients and Health Care Workers (by date)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/guidelines.html
Guidelines for Protecting Patients (by date) http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pubs.html#a1
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CDC Guideline: Prevention Strateg ies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm
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Guideline to Infection Prevention in Outpatient Settings – May 2011
www.cdc.gov/HAI/settings/outpatient/outpatient-care-guidelines.html
o Checklist http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/settings/outpatient/checklist/outpatient-care-checklist.html
The Infection Prevention Checklist for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care
[PDF 538 KB] is
a companion to the Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care.
The checklist should be used: 1)To ensure that the facility has appropriate infection prevention policies and
procedures in place and supplies to allow healthcare personnel to provide safe care. 2) To systematically assess
personnel adherence to correct infection prevention practices.
(Assessment of adherence should be conducted by direct observation of healthcare personnel during the
performance of their duties.)
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Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008
PDF (1.80 MB / 158 pages
Guideline for Isolation Precautions 2007
Management of Multidrug-Resistant Organism 2006 PDF (233 KB, 74 page)
Preventing Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia, 2003
Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities, 2003
Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings, 2002
Prevention of Intravascular Device-Related Infections, 2002
Prevention of Surgical Site Infections, 1999
Prevention of Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections, 1981
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CDC Guidelines for Protecting Healthcare Personnel (by date)
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CDC Guidance for Evaluating Health-Care Personnel for Hepatitis B Virus Protection and for
Administering Postexposure Management Recommendations and Reports December 20, 2013 /
62(rr10);1-19 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6210a1.htm?s_cid=rr6210a1_w
Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to Human
Immunodeficiency Virus and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis David T. Kuhar, MD; David
K. Henderson, MD; Kimberly A. Struble, PharmD; Walid Heneine, PhD; Vasavi Thomas, RPh, MPH; Laura
W. Cheever, MD, ScM; Ahmed Gomaa, MD, ScD, MSPH; Adelisa L. Panlilio, MD and for the US Public
Health Service Working GroupInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology Vol. 34, No. 9 (September
2013), pp. 875-892 Published by: The University of Chicago Press on behalf of The Society for Healthcare
Epidemiology of America Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/672271
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Updated CDC Recommendations for the Management of Hepatitis B Virus–Infected Health-Care Providers
and Students. July 6, 2012 / 61(RR03);1-12Prepared by.
...www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6103a1.htm?s_cid=rr6103a1_w
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CDC Immunization Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel:
Visit this website for general information about immunizations for healthcare workers:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp.htm
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Health-Care Personnel (11/25/11)
"Immunization of Healthcare Workers" http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6007a1.htm?s_cid=rr6007a1_e
Print version
[PDF-705KB / 48 pages] http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr6007.pdf
See also: Influenza Vaccination of Health-Care Personnel
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Management of Occupational Exposures to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV and Recommendations for
Postexposure Prophylaxis - 2001
Infection Control in Healthcare Personnel - 1998 See more Healthcare Worker Occupational Health Guidelines
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/wrkr_occHealth.html
CDC Seasonal Influenza and 2009 H1N1 Influenza: Resources for Clin icians
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http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/index.htm
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http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinicians/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/
CDC H1N1 Influenza A : http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
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Infection Control In a Healthcare Setting
o http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/index.htm
o http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/pdfs/2009_prevent_h1n1.pdf
o Q&A: Updating Guidance on Infection Control Measures for Influenza in Healthcare Settings
o Q&A: Respiratory Protection For Preventing 2009 H1N1 Influenza Among Healthcare
Personnel
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Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis Infection Control Recommendations
The changing epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) and discovery of new diagnostic methods prompted a
revision of CDC's guidelines to prevent TB transmission in healthcare settings. View CDC’s TB infection
control recommendations for dental settings* and learn how they should be incorporated into an infection
control program. Related link: Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in
Health-Care Settings, 2005
CDC Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings,
2005. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm (last accessed October 2, 2012)
Publication for Dentistry: Tuberculosis Infection Control for Dentistry (September 2009)
Cleveland JL, Robison VA, Panlilio AL. Tuberculosis epidemiology, diagnosis and infection control
recommendations for dental settings: An update on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
guidelines. J Am Dent Assoc 2009;140:1092–1099.
General Facemasks and Respiratory Protection Information
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Facemask and Respirator Use for Home Community and Occupational Settings
CDC :
www.cdc.gov/Features/MasksRespirators/
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/RespSource3.html#e
FDA:
www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/GeneralHospitalDevicesandSupplies/
PersonalProtectiveEquipment/ucm055977.htm
OSHA Respiratory Protection eTool:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/respiratory/index.html
CDC National MRSA Education Initiativ e: Preventing MRSA Skin Infections
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/ http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/index.html
Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Transmission in Dental Health
Care Settings* In health care settings, MRSA most often is spread indirectly from patient to patient on the
transiently contaminated hands of health care professionals. Standard Precautions has been shown to be an
effective strategy in preventing transmission. Learn more at CDC’s About MRSA Skin Infections.
Information for Healthcare Professionals
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/prevent/healthcare/precautions.html
CDC Patient Safety
Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/patientsafety.html
Safe Injection Practices in Dentistry
Safe injection practices are a set of measures clinicians should follow to perform injections in an optimally
safe manner for patients, health care personnel, and others. CDC reminds dental practitioners of the safe
injection practices that are critical for patient safety. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/safeinjection-practices/index.htm
Device Screening and Evaluation Forms http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/forms.htm
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CDC: Hepatitis B
Patient-to-patient Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Associated with Oral Surgery
The Journal of Infectious Diseases describes the first documented case of patient-to-patient hepatitis B virus
transmission in a dental office. Excellent resource for assignment, discussion, case analysis, ethical
considerations. From the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/hepB.htm
Updated CDC Recommendations for the Management of Hepatitis B Virus–Infected Health-Care
Providers and Students Guidance for the practices of chronically HBV-infected providers and students and
the institutions that employ, oversee, or train them. This report updates the 1991 CDC recommendations
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr6103a1.htm?s_cid=rr6103a1_e
SHEA_2010_HCW_Guidelines.pdf
...2010, vol. 31, no. 3 shea guideline SHEA Guideline for Management of Healthcare Workers Who Are
Infected with Hepatitis B Virus Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) regarding the
management of healthcare providers who are infected with hepatitis B virus...
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.osap.org/resource/resmgr/Guidelines/SHEA_2010_HCW_Guidelines.pdf?hhS
earchTerms=Exposure+Prevention+and+Management
United States Air Force Dental Evaluation and Consultation Service
This is an excellent resource for infection control and other dental product and device information in an
objective and non-commercial format. The service provides information, resources and product evaluation
for all branches of the US armed forces, US Public Health Service and other US government agencies
providing dental care. Access to the website is free and open to the public. http://www.afms.af.mil/decs/
Infection Prevention and Control Resources:
• DECS Homepage: http://www.afms.af.mil/decs/
• USAF Guidelines for Infection Prevention & Control in Dentistry
–
Sample Exposure Control Plan
–
USAF Dental Infection Prevention & Control Program Self-Inspection
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Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) Resources:
OSAP is a unique group of dental practitioners, allied healthcare workers, industry representatives, and other
interested persons with a collective mission to promote infection control and related science-based health
and safety policies and practices. OSAP supports this mission through collaborations with many agencies
and professional groups. The organization has an international member base.
Website:
www.osap.org
Meetings and Training Events:
 CDC and OSAP co-sponsored Annual Infection Control Boot Camp; Mid January
o Full week course, target audience clinic managers, military, public health and institutional
dental personnel, educators, dental school clinical staff. Covers all aspects of infection
control & safety.

Annual OSAP Symposium. Held mid June. Varying locations. See www.osap.org for details.
Presentations provide both beginners and experts with valuable information, resources, training
Exclusive Member Benefits:
APIC – Association for Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology.
Infection Control Organization with broad scope of interest in the medical community.
Membership, Annual Session and American Journal of Infection Control – highly recommended resources for
everyone, and especially institutions and programs with hospital based clinical rotations, oral surgery
graduate programs, etc. www.apic.org
Portable and Mobile Dental Programs – Infection Control Resources
OSAP
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) formed a national advisory group to develop a
practical community site assessment and corresponding infection control and safety checklists. These
checklists offer infection control guidance for oral health surveys, screenings, preventive care and treatment
regardless of setting. This guidance is based on general principles of infection control and is determined by
the provider's level of anticipated contact with the patient's oral mucous membranes (MM), blood or saliva
contaminated with blood. http://www.osap.org/?page=PortableMobile Tools include: Site Analysis
and
OSAP Infection Control Checklist for Dental Programs Using Mobile Vans or Portable Dental
Equipment
Guide for Safety and Infection Control for Oral Healthcare Missions. OSAP 2004.
http://www.osap.org
Guide Book and CD 52-page, spiral-bound text book with 12 ready-to-edit forms on an
accompanying CD-ROM. This is a practical guide to providing safe dental care in nontraditional
settings. It is designed for healthcare providers who participate in humanitarian missions that
provide dental care to individuals in nontraditional settings. These settings often lack the necessary
resources or modern amenities that are found in dental practices in the United States. The Guide
contains a compilation of suggestions provided by person who have actually experienced and
participated in humanitarian mission. Free Download available at
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.osap.org/resource/resmgr/Docs/dental_aid_guide.pdf?hhSearchTerm
s=Guide+for+Safety+and+Infection+Control+for+Oral+He
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School-based Sealant Program resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/dental_sealant_programs.htm
ASTDD - Resources on Mobile and Portable Dental Services in Preschool and School Settings
National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
Seal America: The Prevention Invention* http://www.mchoralhealth.org/Seal/index.html
is an online manual designed to assist health professionals initiate and implement a school-based dental
sealant program.
Ohio Safety Net Distance Learning for School-Based Dental Sealant Programs
A five-part, distance-learning course provided to further understanding of the history, operations, and
underlying principles of Ohio’s school-based dental sealant programs. Available at:
http://ohiodentalclinics.com/curricula/sealant/index.html infection control section is module 2
http://ohiodentalclinics.com/curricula/sealant/mod2_0.html
Mobile Portable Dental Manual http://www.mobile-portabledentalmanual.com/ http://www.mobileportabledentalmanual.com/
This is an online manual for planning and implementing portable and mobile dental service programs.
The Safety Net Dental Clinic Manual http://www.dentalclinicmanual.com/
http://www.dentalclinicmanual.com/chapt4/8_0.html
This resource from the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center . The Safety Net Dental
Clinic Manual is designed to help safety net dental clinic staff with all aspects of clinic
development and ongoing operations.
Resources for HIV Information
AETC National Resource Center Update
The AIDS Education and Training Centers is a federally funded agency of the U.S. Health Research
Services Agency (HRSA ). The AETCs conduct targeted, multi-disciplinary education and training
programs for healthcare providers treating persons with HIV/AIDS. This web site provides a central
repository for AETC program and contact information and for training materials developed within the AETC
network.
http://www.aidsetc.org
The Northeast AIDS Education and Training Centers goal is: To increase the number of health care providers
effectively trained to counsel, diagnose, treat and manage the care of individuals with HIV infection and to assist in the
prevention of high risk behavior which may lead to infection The regional web site is www.neaetc.org
AIDSInfo is a website of the U.S. National Institutes of Health offering HIV information and resources
on prevention, treatment and research
http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov
HIVDENT is a not-for-profit coalition of concerned health care professionals committed to assuring access to
high quality oral health care services for adults, adolescents, and children living with HIV disease. HIVDENT
disseminates state-of-the-art treatment information and shares expertise in advocacy, development, training,
integration, and evaluation of oral health services for the HIV-infected population.
The primary mechanism by which HIVDENT initially intends to accomplish its mission is via this web site.
Inside, not only will you find several sections on the oral manifestations of HIV disease and a large picture
gallery, but information on infection control, post-exposure protocols, pediatric/adolescent care, medications,
funding and other resources.
Through an easily accessible e-mail system, health care professionals and consumers alike are able to
communicate directly with the Faculty, some of the foremost international experts in these fields.
www.hivdent.org
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World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.int/topics/patient_safety/en/
This is the World Health Organization website area that contains many infection control topics,
resources and guidelines. Topics include hand hygiene, injection safety, safe surgery and others.
“Adverse events may result from problems in practice, products, procedures or systems. Patient
safety improvements demand a complex system-wide effort, involving a wide range of actions in
performance improvement, environmental safety and risk management, including infection control,
safe use of medicines, equipment safety, safe clinical practice and safe environment of care.”
Infection Prevention and Control- Resource Textbooks
Author
Title
Miller & Palenik
Infection Control and Management of Hazardous
Materials for the Dental Team, 4th Ed.
Molinari &Harte
Cottone’s Practical Infection Control in Dentistry 3rd Ed.
Greenwood, Slack, et.al
Medical Microbiology, 17th Ed.
A guide to microbial infections, pathogenesis
Immunity, etc.
Wilson
Infection Control in Clinical Practice, 3rd Ed.
Mayhall
Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control
Lawrence & May
Infection Control in the Community
Gruendemann & Mangum
Infection Prevention in Surgical Settings
Gorbach, Bartlett, & Blacklow Infectious Diseases
2007
Peutherer & Barer
2006
2004
2003
2001
2003
Education and Training
Dental Infection Control Educators' and Trainers' Toolkit
Available on CD-ROM, OSAP's Dental Infection Control Educators' and Trainers' Toolkit is a coaching
workbook designed to assist with the development, planning and promotion of successful, high-impact
infection control and safety programs and presentations. The resources describe the psychology of adult
learning, offers suggestions on delivery techniques, provides sample lesson plans, introduces games that
promote learning and much more This is an excellent resource for educators, consultants and infection
control managers.
GloGerm – A Training Tool for Hand Hygiene
Website for information on ordering and using Glo Germ for infection control education:
http://www.glogerm.com/using.html
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Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Provider&L2=Certification%2C+Licensu
re%2C+and+Registration&L3=Occupational+and+Professional&L4=Dentistry&sid=Eeohhs2
On August 20, 2010 the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry promulgated new regulations. The
regulations include the following requirements:
234 CMR 5.05 (1) Infection Control Practices. All persons licensed by the Board and all practices providing
dental services are required to operate in compliance with the current Recommended Infection Control In
Dental Health-Care Settings-2003, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, as may be amended and republished.
234 CMR 5.05 (2) Occupational Health and Safety Practices. All persons licensed by the Board and all
practices providing dental services are required to operate in compliance with the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration Standards at 29 CFR OSHA Standards.
234 CMR 8.03: Required Biennial Continuing Education A licensee seeking to renew his/her license must
complete continuing education as a condition precedent to the biennial renewal of his/her license in the
following areas:
(a) Infection Control in the dental health-care setting
Resources:
 U. S. Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
“Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings – 2003” –
Guideline Document:
www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdf or
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/guidelines/index.htm
Other CDC Infection Control Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm and

The Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) sets rules for protective attire, sharps
safety and more. To find OSHA documents and other materials on-line:
o BBP Standard 1910.1030,
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051
o Bloodborne pathogens [related topic page
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/bloodbornepathogens/index.html
o Other OSHA Resources specific to Dentistry
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/index.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/control.html
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/dentistry/standards.html
Excellent Resource: Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP)
OSAP is a unique group of dental practitioners, allied healthcare workers, industry
representatives, and other interested persons with a collective mission to promote infection
control and related science-based health and safety policies and practices. OSAP supports this
mission through collaborations with many agencies and professional groups.
Website:
www.osap.org
NOTE: For an more extensive Infection Prevention and Safety resource list contact Kathy Eklund
keklund@forsyth.org
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