Course Description

Infectious diseases described over the past 4 decades include those caused by newly discovered pathogens, as well as re-emergent infections caused by microbial mutation and drug-resistance. The latest example is the emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resultant COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent epidemiologic and scientific evidence pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 disease will be presented during this live webinar, including progress in antiviral treatment, serologic testing and vaccine development.

Occupational risks for health care workers (medical and dental) will be featured, along with recommended modifications to infection prevention strategies. Other global disease challenges presented by widespread respiratory infections (influenza viruses, tuberculosis) and blood-borne pathogens (hepatitis B and C viruses and Human Immunodeficiency Virus) will also be discussed during the live webinar.

1. Overview of global disease status

2. Factors related to emergence of infectious diseases

   1. Human demographics and behavior

   2. Breakdown in public health systems and measures

   3. Microbial adaptation and change

   4. Ecological factors

3. Representative diseases

   1. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

   2. Antibiotic-resistant infections

   3. Bloodborne viral diseases (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, HIV/AIDS)

   4. Respiratory infections (Coronavirus, Influenza, Tuberculosis)

   5. Contact-mediated infections (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA])

   6. Clostridium difficile-mediated enterocolitis

   7. Candida auris

4. Challenges to infection control practices

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, vaccinations, personal protective equipment (PPE), instrument reprocessing, environmental surface disinfection, and dental water treatment. Accumulated science-based evidence describing health care risks from occupational blood-borne, airborne, and waterborne pathogens will serve as frameworks for the presentation. 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 publications. 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.

After attending this live dental CEU webinar, your continuing education verification form will be available in your online account within 2-3 business days. Once issued, you can access your CE verification form at any time.

1. Current guidelines, recommendations overview & exposure control plan for dental practice - CDC, ADA, OSHA

2. Epidemiology and Current Status of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection

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

The educational teaching methodology used in this course is a lecture presented via live webinar in concert with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation. Both the live lecture and the PowerPoint presentation incorporate a variety of audio and visual cues to enhance audience members’ understanding and retention of key concepts. In addition, audience participation will be encouraged and facilitated by group discussions as well as question and answer periods provided for at the conclusion of each section of the live webinar."

Registrations for this live webinar have been closed.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course the participants should be able to:

1. Describe major global and epidemiological factors which can lead to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases.
2. Understand current science-based information pertaining to SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 pandemic
3. Describe representative blood-borne and other airborne infections
4. Comprehend occupational health care worker risks presented by these diseases
5. Understand the most recent updates for CDC and OSHA infection control recommendations and regulations
6. Comprehend practical strategies which can minimize DUWL contamination.
7. Comprehend recommended transmission-based precautions associated with controlling aerosols and airborne pathogens
8. Understand how to effectively monitor reprocessing and sterilization procedures
9. Describe recent technology advances and protocols for instrument processing and sterilization
10. Discuss epidemiology and current status of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection
11. Describe factors which can lead to dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination.
12. Describe application of standard precautions as the foundation of infection prevention
13. Understand the rationale for effective, hand hygiene procedures
14. Describe challenges bloodborne and respiratory infections present to dental healthcare workers
15. Describe the use of disposables and disinfectants used in environmental surface asepsis.
16. Comprehend the most current vaccination recommendations for dental personnel

• PDF of handout emailed prior to webinar

• Access to rewatch the recording for 30 days after the presentation

What People Are Saying

• "Very informative about the leading infectious diseases we are currently facing"
  Online
  
  
• "This presentation allowed me the opportunity to reevaluate the routine controls/protocols in my own educational facility, along with those I implemented as a result of COVID-19."
  
  
• "The thoroughness of explanations by Dr. Molinari are very good."