About Course #L0782
Release Date: July 30, 2013
Review Date: June 14, 2019
Expiration Date: December 31, 2019
Globally, viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases have been emerging at an alarming rate since the 1980s. Among the most worrisome are bloodborne diseases such as AIDS, caused by HIV, and viral hepatitis B, C, D, and G. Antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and fungus are increasing in frequency and are becoming more resistant to the currently available antimicrobial agents. The best approach to reducing the risk of infection transmissions in the dental office is the use of universal precautions. This method includes the standard precautions of hand washing, use of personal protective equipment, proper cleaning and disinfection, and injury prevention. However, even with these precautions in place, the bioaerosol generated during dental procedures is responsible for the dissemination of many organisms.
This basic-level course discusses the issue of bioaerosol and reviews interventions that can dramatically reduce bioaerosol contamination during the delivery of oral care. Dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants can benefit from the overview of the risks of contamination associated with bioaerosol. This course discusses management of dental unit waterline contamination and suggests appropriate dental equipment necessary for providing sterile water for oral surgical procedures. Finally, the course reviews the importance of preprocedural rinsing as a step in reducing the potential for infection for both practitioner and patient.
AGD Subject Code: 148
- Describe bioaerosol, including the methods by which it can be reduced and the associated risks of contamination.
- Describe the management of dental unit waterline contamination and the alternatives to self-contained water delivery systems.
- Identify the importance of preprocedural rinsing in minimizing the infectious potential of patient-generated bioaerosol.
Western Schools designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit.
About the Author(s)
Louis G. DePaola, DDS, MS, is a professor and the assistant dean of clinical affairs in the Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore. He received his DDS in 1975 and completed a master of science degree in oral biology in 1981, both from the University of Maryland. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Medicine and the American College of Dentists, and holds a certificate in prosthodontics. He is the director for dental training for the Pennsylvania/Mid Atlantic AIDS Education and Training Center and served as a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs from 2002 to 2005. Dr. DePaola has presented at the national meetings of most major dental associations and at numerous international conferences. He has authored or coauthored more than 130 journal articles, book chapters, and abstracts.
- Courses must be completed on or before the expiration date noted in the course description above.
- You must score 75% or higher on the final exam and complete the course evaluation to pass this course and receive a certificate of completion.
- Through our review processes, Western Schools ensures that the course content is presented in a balanced, unbiased manner and is free from commercial influence. It is Western Schools' policy not to accept commercial support.
- All persons involved in the planning and development of this course have disclosed no relevant financial relationships or other conflicts of interest related to the course content.
- There are no prerequisites for this course.