Dental Hygiene Program: Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment

Attendance and Lateness Policy

• Failure to comply with lateness and attendance policies may result in academic penalties, impacting grades or eligibility to continue in the course.

Weekly Materials

• Weekly course materials are primarily sourced from the school's online server, where students can access essential resources and updates.

Infection Control Textbook

• The textbook "Infection Control and Management of Hazardous Materials for the Dental Team" serves to educate dental professionals on best practices for infection control and handling hazardous materials.

Expectations for Posted Materials

• Students are expected to regularly check the school server for posted materials, ensuring they stay informed and prepared for coursework and clinical practice.

CDHO IPAC Guidelines

• The CDHO Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) guidelines aim to provide a structured framework for maintaining high standards of infection control within dental practices.

Client Care Manual

• The Toronto College of Dental Hygiene & Auxiliaries Inc. Client Care Manual is utilized to outline standards and protocols for delivering care to clients, ensuring safety and compliance.

Care for Diverse Populations

• Dental hygiene professionals must focus on culturally competent care, recognizing and addressing the unique needs of diverse populations in oral health.

Evidence-Informed Practice

• Keeping up-to-date with latest research and best practices is crucial for ensuring that dental hygiene practice is current and evidence-informed.

Promotion of Oral Health

• The primary goal of a dental hygiene professional is to promote oral health and wellness, educating clients on maintaining good oral hygiene.

Addressing Oral Health Inequities

• Dental hygiene professionals play an essential role in identifying and addressing oral health inequities, advocating for access to care for underserved populations.

Communication with Healthcare Professionals

• Effective communication with other healthcare professionals is critical for providing comprehensive patient care and ensuring continuity of treatment.

Professional Practice Goals

• A dental hygiene professional aims to maintain ethical standards and professional development, striving for excellence in clinical practice.

PPE Responsibilities

• Dental hygiene students are primarily responsible for wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in clinical settings to ensure their safety and that of clients.

TCDHA Guidelines

• The TCDHA guidelines are essential in establishing protocols for protecting clients during clinical procedures, emphasizing safe practices in dental hygiene.

Barrier Covering in Operatory

• Protective barriers must be placed on all appropriate surfaces in the operatory before client care to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in the dental office is crucial for providing information on handling hazardous substances safely.

Importance of Pre-Cleaning

• Pre-cleaning surfaces before disinfection is vital for effective sanitation, removing gross debris that could hinder the efficacy of disinfectants.

Equipment Decontamination Considerations

• The primary consideration for dental equipment decontamination includes ensuring compliance with established protocols and maintaining high standards for managing high-tech equipment.