Health, Safety, Protection and Infection Control in the Dental Practice: Current Status 2024

Basic Science, Health and Safety, Infection Control, OSHA, Vaccines

Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases described over the past 5 decades include those caused by newly discovered microbial pathogens, re-emergent diseases, and infections which have become increasingly resistant to previously successful antimicrobials. The latest example is the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent epidemiologic and scientific evidence pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 disease will be discussed, with emphasis on the impact of Long-COVID on disease survivors’ health. Current epidemiology and evidence addressing ongoing challenges and occupational guidelines for blood-borne pathogens (hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV), respiratory infections (influenza viruses, tuberculosis), and waterborne infections in healthcare facilities will comprise major portions of the seminar.  Also, the impact of emerging drug-resistant fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida auris, will be considered.

Infection Control and OSHA After COVID-19
Health care professionals (HCP) are routinely at an increased risk of cross-infection when treating patients. In response, historical application of evidence-based infection prevention practices and strategies has been demonstrated to provide effective protection during provision of healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic presented the latest challenge to infection control in both medical and dental facilities. This seminar will focus on practical discussion of the most recent infection prevention regulations and recommendations as they relate to dental settings, using occupational blood-borne, airborne, and waterborne pathogens as frameworks for the presentation.  Discussion sections include hand hygiene, sharps safety, vaccinations, personal protective equipment (PPE), instrument reprocessing, handpiece reprocessing and sterilization, environmental surface disinfection, and dental water treatment. Application of Standard and Transmission-based Precautions, PPE and air quality requirements to minimize cross-infection from infectious airborne microorganisms also will be considered in light of updated health agency guidelines. 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.

Vaccine Recommendations: Science, Success & Myths
This seminar will consider vaccination as one of the most effective public health approaches for protection of both the general population and health care professionals.  The most recent recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines will be presented in addition to information pertaining to other vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, shingles, human papilloma viruses (HPV), and pertussis (i.e., whooping cough). A major goal of this presentation is to discuss appropriate scientific and clinical evidence for available vaccines and emerging technologies, in order to provide participants useful information when considering: 1. their own protection; 2. protection of the general public; and 3. vaccine requirements for individuals diagnosed with immune compromising conditions and diseases. Important information also will be included describing vaccine misperceptions and myths which can damage public health success against vaccine-preventable diseases.

1. Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases
   1. 1. Global overview of emerging & re-emerging infectious diseases
      2. Factors related to emergence of microbial diseases
         1. Human demographics and behavior
         2. Breakdown in public health systems and measures
         3. Microbial adaptation and change
         4. Ecological factors
         5. Zoonotic factors
      3. Representative diseases
         1. SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19
         2. Bloodborne viral diseases (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, HIV/AIDS)
         3. Respiratory infections (Influenza, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Bird Flu), Tuberculosis, Measles)
         4. Increasingly anti-fungal resistant infections (Candida auris, other mycotic infections)
         5. Waterborne infections in healthcare settings (emphasis on Legionella,
            Non-tubercle Mycobacteria [NTM])
      4. Challenges to infection control practices
2. Infection Control and OSHA After COVID-19
   1. 1. Current guidelines, recommendations overview & exposure control plan for dental practice – CDC, ADA, OSHA
      2. Current Statistics – Hepatitis-C
      3. Aseptic Techniques – hand hygiene
      4. Post-Exposure Management Protocols
      5. Personal Protection Equipment Updates – gloves, eyewear, masks
      6. Instrument Sterilization & Processing
      7. Environmental Surface Disinfection
         1. Covers
         2. Spray disinfectants
         3. Disinfectant wipes
      8. Dental Unit Waterline Asepsis
3. Vaccine Recommendations
   1. 1. Public health impact
      2. Principles and vaccine types
      3. Representative vaccines
         1. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
         2. COVID-19 Booster
         3. Influenza
         4. Bacterial pneumonia
         5. Pertussis
         6. Zoster (shingles)
         7. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
      4. Public Health Knowledge
         1. Herd immunity
         2. Mandated requirements
      5. Vaccination science vs. myths

“Dr. Molinari’s seminar will use a traditional Power Point lecture format that will include microbiological, research, and other evidence-based clinical information to demonstrate and reinforce concepts. The presentation will also encourage audience participation in the discussion of appropriate infection prevention strategies for clinical settings. Participants will have multiple opportunities to ask questions during the course of the seminar.”