2. Dental Board of California Infection Control Standards (Title 16, Section 1005)

• Standard Precautions:
– Explanation of standard precautions, including all practices required to prevent transmission of pathogens.
– Emphasis on assuming all blood and bodily fluids are potentially infectious.

• Hand Hygiene:
– Techniques for effective handwashing and use of antiseptic solutions.
– Situations requiring hand hygiene and protocols for glove use.

• Instrument Sterilization and Disinfection:
– Processes for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing dental instruments.
– Approved sterilization methods, such as autoclaving, and the importance of biological monitoring (spore testing) for equipment                     validation.

• Surface and Equipment Disinfection:
– Procedures for disinfecting surfaces, dental chairs, and high-touch areas between patient visits.
– Proper use of EPA-registered disinfectants and the need for barriers on equipment that cannot be disinfected quickly.

• Dental Unit Waterline Maintenance:
– Procedures for flushing waterlines between patients and protocols for routine maintenance to prevent biofilm buildup.

• Sharps Safety and Waste Disposal:
– Safe handling, disposal, and management of sharps to avoid accidental exposure.
– Proper segregation and disposal of biohazardous waste, including contaminated items, in compliance with state and local regulations.

• Exposure Control Plan:
– Procedures to follow in case of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including immediate steps for treatment, reporting, and follow-up            care.
– Familiarization with the Exposure Control Plan and its components, such as postexposure evaluation and required documentation.