10-508-101Dental Health Safety
Course Information
Description
Prepares dental auxiliary students to respond proactively to dental emergencies, control infection, prevent disease, adhere to OSHA Standards, and safely manage hazardous materials. Students also take patient vital signs and collect patient medical/dental histories. This course is a WTCS aligned course required in both the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assisting programs.
Total Credits
1
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze infections that may influence the practice of dentistry
    Assessment Strategies
    in the completion of a classification worksheet in which you analyze infections that may influence the practice of dentistry
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    classification includes microbes commonly found in dentistry
    classification identifies significant characteristics of bacteria, viruses and fungi
    classification identifies diseases and treatment common and relevant to dentistry according to the microbes that cause them
    classification includes comparison of mode of transmission, symptoms and treatment for all types of hepatitis
    classification includes mode of transmission, symptoms and treatment for HIV positive patients and AIDS patients
    classification includes mode of transmission, symptoms and treatment for herpes
    classification includes mode of transmission, symptoms and treatment for tuberculosis
    classification is organized and formatted using graphics or headers
    classification evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

  2. Employ personal and patient protection to prevent disease transmission
    Assessment Strategies
    by employing personal and patient protection in a skill demonstration
    in the clinic using a role-play patient or mannequin
    Criteria
    perform according to standard precautions as spelled out in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard
    perform handwashing technique
    wear protective eye wear, mask, gloves and gown
    provide your patient with protection of glasses and drape

  3. Reprocess treatment area
    Assessment Strategies
    in reprocessing the treatment room by completing a skill demonstration in the clinic
    Criteria
    perform according to standard precautions as spelled out in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard
    wear personal protective equipment
    select the most effective disinfectant
    follow manufacturer's product specifications
    remove all barriers
    remove all contaminated items from operatory and take to sterilization area
    manage waste and sharps safely
    clean and disinfect all treatment room equipment
    prepare treatment room for the next patient
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol

  4. Reprocess instruments
    Assessment Strategies
    by reprocessing instruments by completing a skill demonstration
    in the laboratory/clinic
    Criteria
    perform according to standard precautions as spelled out in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard
    wear personal protective equipment
    differentiate instruments for method of post-treatment processing
    transport instruments for processing
    clean instruments
    select the most effective disinfectant or sterilant
    package instruments
    sterilize/disinfect instruments
    deliver and/or store sterile/disinfected instruments
    perform chemical monitoring of the sterilizer
    perform biological monitoring of the sterilizer
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol

  5. Collect patients' medical/dental histories
    Assessment Strategies
    in the completion of a medical history in a skill demonstration with a role-play patient
    in the completion of a dental history in a skill demonstration with a role-play-patient
    Criteria
    greet and address the patient by name
    explain the purpose of the medical/dental history and assure patient confidentiality
    document all relevant information that the patient tells you
    pronounce all terms correctly and are able to explain them to the patient in lay terms
    communicate professionally with the patient
    complete the medical/dental history within a timely manner
    medical/dental history includes clarification of all noted medical conditions
    medical/dental history is completely filled out and all questions have responses
    medical/dental history red flags medical/dental alerts
    medical/dental history is signed and dated
    patient's records show accurate, up-to-date documentation of treatment and services

  6. Take patient's vital signs
    Assessment Strategies
    by measuring and recording vital signs on role-play patient in a skill demonstration
    by comparing your readings to those obtained by the instructor
    Criteria
    select the armamentarium
    position yourself and patient correctly while taking vital signs
    explain each of the vital signs to patient
    take each of the vital signs
    record each reading accurately on the patient record
    verify your readings with those of your instructor
    wear personal protective equipment
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol

  7. Handle dental office emergencies
    Assessment Strategies
    by responding to a medical emergency scenario in the clinic/laboratory
    by completing an incident report
    Criteria
    identify equipment and supplies used for dental office medical emergencies
    appropriately care for equipment and supplies used for dental office medical emergencies
    perform an oxygen tank maintenance check
    confirm contents of the emergency kit are complete and current
    determine the type and severity of medical emergency that is occurring
    follow standard precautions as spelled out in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard
    determine the appropriate response
    wear personal protective equipment
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol
    complete an incident report that is accurate, complete, legible, and exhibits correct use of terminology and standard English

  8. Handle dental office exposure emergencies
    Assessment Strategies
    by responding to a chemical exposure scenario
    by responding to a bloodborne and infectious disease exposure scenario
    by completing an incident report
    Criteria
    refer to the SDS for the specific chemical
    determine the type and severity of exposure that is occurring
    follow standard precautions as spelled out in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen standard
    determine the appropriate response
    obtain medical attention, using appropriate level of urgency
    follow appropriate post-exposure containment steps
    wear personal protective equipment
    employ safety precautions
    use infection control protocol
    complete an incident report that is accurate, complete, legible, and exhibits correct use of terminology and standard English
    propose strategies for avoiding exposures of this nature