Infection Control and OSHA During and After COVID-19

Dr. John A. Molinari

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the delivery of health care. This seminar will discuss the impact on dentistry by presenting the most recent infection control recommendations and regulations as they relate to dental settings. Discussion sections include hand hygiene, SARS-CoV-2 vaccine updates, personal protective equipment (PPE), environmental surface disinfection, and dental water asepsis. Application of Standard and Transmission-based Precautions, PPE and air quality requirements necessitated by emergence of SARS-CoV-2 disease also will be considered in light of updated CDC, OSHA, NIOSH, and EPA recommendations. A major goal of this session is to help dental professionals increase their understanding of the "why" as well as the "what" of infection control procedures.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to:

• Discuss current status of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Describe application of standard precautions as the foundation of infection prevention
• Comprehend recommended transmission-based precautions associated with controlling aerosols and airborne pathogens
• Understand the most recent updates for CDC and OSHA infection control recommendations and regulations
• Understand the rationale for effective, hand hygiene procedures
• Comprehend the most current COVID-19 vaccination recommendations
• Describe the use of disinfectants used in environmental surface asepsis
• Describe factors which can lead to dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination
• Comprehend practical strategies which can minimize DUWL contamination