OSHA and CDC Infection Control Standards and Barrier Precautions for Dental Healthcare

Course overview

There are approximately 700,000 dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) in the United States, a total that includes approximately 125,000 dentists, 207,000 dental hygienists, 347,000 dental assistants, and 36,000 dental laboratory technicians (U.S. Department of Labor, 2021). DHCP work primarily in outpatient, ambulatory care facilities using instruments that generate spatter, mists, aerosols, or particulate matter. In addition, most dental procedures require the use of double-ended sharp instruments that become soiled with blood, saliva and other body fluids during the course of dental treatment. In such settings, it is likely that patients and dental personnel will be exposed to blood and other potentially pathogenic infectious material unless standard precautions are followed. Fortunately, by understanding certain principles of disease transmission and using appropriate infection control practices, dental personnel can prevent disease transmission.