Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title DA 1225: Dental Infection Control

Catalog Description

Credits 2
Hours/Week 3 (1 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements DA Program Admission is required
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

Dental Infection Control will prepare the dental assisting student to function aseptically and safely in the dental clinical environment. The course covers principles of microbiology and disease transmission, current concepts of infection control and hazard communication and management in dental practice. Course content will review requirements and protocols as recommended/required by the Centers for Disease Control, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the American Dental Association, and the MN Board of Dentistry. This course is a prerequisite to all dental assisting clinical courses. (DA Program Admission is required.)

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

September, 2021

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Microbiology and Disease Transmission
  2. Infection Control
  3. Hazard Communication and Management
  4. Office Emergency Procedures
  5. Marketing Dental Infection Control

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Define terms related to dental infection control and hazards management.
  2. Describe microorganisms and methods of disease transmission.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the Blood borne Pathogens Standard.
  4. Employ the guidelines of the OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standard and OSHA mandated training.
  5. Describe the requirements of a dental office written exposure plan.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of the Needle Stick Safety and Prevention Act.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of the contents of the CDC’s Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities.
  8. List the basic principles of infection control for a dental office and standard precautions.
  9. Describe and demonstrate the correct use of personnel protective equipment for dental personnel.
  10. Describe and demonstrate aseptic hand hygiene techniques for dental personnel.
  11. Describe the requirements and correct use of exposure controls.
  12. Demonstrate the steps of instrument recirculation, processing, and routine maintenance.
  13. Prepare chemical disinfectants following established protocols and understand disinfection processes.
  14. Clean and disinfect treatment rooms following established protocols.
  15. Describe aseptic protocols for the dental lab and dental radiography.
  16. Employ hazard management protocols.
  17. Describe the requirements of the Global Harmonizing System for managing hazardous chemicals.
  18. Describe Safety Data Sheets (SDS), to include the required contents of each part and their correct management and storage.
  19. Implement the correct storage and transfer of hazardous chemicals, and occupational environmental hazards.
  20. Implement effective medical waste management.
  21. Describe dental unit waterline infection control practices.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None