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Disciplines:
  • Dentists
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Dental Assisting
Hours: 1 Contact Hour
Author(s): Louis G. DePaola, DDS, MS
Peer Reviewer(s): Veronica Powers, DMD
Item#: L0782
Contents: 1 Course Book (24 pages)
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Reduction of Bioaerosol in the Dental Office, 2nd Edition
Price $9.95
Item # L0782
When available, the Online Course format is included with the hard copy, eBook, or audio book formats!

Release Date: July 30, 2013

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Expiration Date: September 18, 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
 
Western Schools designates this activity for 1 continuing education credit.

 

 

Course Objectives

  • 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.

 

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. He serves as a consultant to the ADA, other professional groups, and private industry. Over the past 20 years, Dr. DePaola has been awarded more than 75 research and service grants, many in the field of antiplaque chemotherapeutic agents, HIV/AIDS, management of medically compromised dental patients, rapid salivary diagnostic testing, dental unit waterlines, and infection control. In 2015, Dr. DePaola was appointed to the Maryland Board of Dental Examiners.

 

Veronica Powers, DMD, received a BS degree from Providence College and a DMD degree from the Oregon Health & Science University. After working for four years as a general dentist in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Powers returned to New York City to serve as lead dentist for Phoenix House Foundation in Brooklyn, New York, where she provided comprehensive treatment for the residents of a rehabilitation facility. In this capacity, she performed simple and surgical extractions and root canals and placed crowns, bridges, and removable prosthodontics. Dr. Powers created the protocol for the day-to-day management of the clinic and became especially adept at treating anxious patients. Now in private practice, Dr. Powers is licensed to practice dentistry in the state of New York, maintains registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and is CPR-certified. She has provided volunteer dentistry in India and in Chiapas, Mexico, and has worked with the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile program in the United States.

  • 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.