Disinfection and Sterilization: A Primer

Credit Details
This electronically delivered self-instructional program is designated for 1.5 hours of CE credit by Farran Media.
AGD Code: 148.

The fee to view this course is $36. This cost includes the fee to take the exam and claim your CE credits.

Synopsis:
This lecture contains a practical, rational and economical approach to instrument processing and sterilization and disinfection in the dental office. The variety of new products and materials available in dentistry increases every day. Rather than a discussion of how each of these should be disinfected and sterilized, this lecture focuses on determining what to do by how to the items are used in patient care. In addition to discussion of categorization of patient care items and sterilization techniques, practitioners are guided through a discussion of types of germicidal products. These should be evaluated carefully.

In general, choosing the right germicidal product is important. What you choose in a germicidal agent depends on a number of factors, such as the nature of the contamination (meaning the organic material such as whether it is blood or saliva), the amount of the contamination present, the type of germicide used and whether it is sporicidal or tuberculocidal. The spray, wipe, spray approach is easy to remember for environmental surfaces. Sterilization and disinfection also extends to other areas, such as the laboratory, the dental unit water lines, evacuation systems and amalgam separator issues. Use and careful removal of wraps or covers used in the operatory is also highlighted.

Description of Speaker:
Dr. Margaret Scarlett is the originator of the first infection control guidelines for dentistry from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has served 17 years at the CDC. She is the current contractor to CDC on infectious and chronic disease management.

Dr. Scarlett is a national and international expert on infection control, consultant to World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization and international ministries of health, as well as global dental schools. Prior to retirement from CDC, Dr. Scarlett was a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of Public Health and Science, Department of Health and Human Services from 1998-2000. She has 23 years of experience with oral health policy and practice. She was a contributor to Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, 2000.

She is the author of 24 published articles on oral health. She is the recipient of 7 Governmental Awards for exemplary service in oral health and women’s health. She is a professional lecturer in dentistry, including infection control, infectious and chronic disease and bioterrorism and pandemic flu.

Educational Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to achieve the following:

• Discuss the basic principles of sterilization and disinfection, including the importance of cleaning each item before a process is used.
• Highlight methods of sterilization in detail.
• Detail the types of chemical sterilants/disinfectants and appropriate selection for patient care items.
• Highlight key principles for special considerations for disinfection and sterilization issues, such as laboratory items, dental unit water lines, amalgam separators, and evacuation systems.
• Review some of the regulatory compliance issues regarding disinfectants.

Disclosure:
Dr. Scarlett declares having received an honorarium from Young Innovations for preparing this course.

Legal Disclaimer:
The CE provider (Farran Media) uses reasonable care in selecting and providing content that is accurate. The CE provider, however, does not independently verify the content or materials. The CE provider does not represent that the instructional materials are error-free or that the content or materials are comprehensive. Any opinions expressed in the materials are those of the author of the materials and not the CE provider. Completing one or more continuing education courses does not provide sufficient information to qualify the participant as an expert in the field related to the course topic or in any specific technique or procedure. The instructional materials are intended to supplement, but are not a substitute for, the knowledge, expertise, skill and judgment of a trained health care professional.

Licensure:
Continuing education credits issued for completion of online CE courses may not apply toward license renewal in all licensing jurisdictions. It is the responsibility of each registrant to verify the CE requirements of his/her licensing or regulatory agency.

State CE Requirements:
Click Here for CE requirements by state. Please note that this information is current as of the time of listing. This information is subject to change at any time from the state boards. For the most up-to-date information, please contact your state board directly.

Refund Policy
There are no refunds for Online CE courses. Please contact technical support if you run into technical difficulty.

For any questions, please contact Nareg Apelian, DMD, Director of Continuing Education at nareg@farranmedia.com