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The Importance of Infection Control in Dental Assisting

The Importance of Infection Control in Dental Assisting

Every career in the medical field, including dental assisting jobs, emphasizes the importance of safe practices for hygiene and cleanliness to prevent infections. Providing a healthy environment for staff and patients through infection control protocols is essential for the well-being of everyone and the success of the dental practice.

What You Need to Know About Infection Control

Infection control refers to the procedures that help stop the spread of pathogens to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in medical settings. These HAIs have serious potential consequences, such as:

  • Increased risk of prolonged illness, complications, or a lengthy hospital stay.
  • Emotional and psychological trauma from illness.
  • Outbreaks of illness.
  • Further spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
  • Higher medical costs for patients and medical facilities.
  • Severe infections that may cause death.

The consistent practice of infection control is essential for preventing the spread of disease through cross-contamination of instruments, equipment, and other surfaces, which can occur from contact with body fluids such as blood and saliva.

The Role Dental Assistants Play in Infection Control

The front-and-center role of dental assistants in patient care means that they are vital for maintaining health and safety in their practices. Common practices to reduce the risk of spreading infections include:

  • Hand Hygiene: Frequent hand washing to stop the spread of germs.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staff must wear PPE, like gloves and masks, when performing dental procedures; properly dispose of used PPE; and use new, sterile PPE for each patient.
  • Instrument Sterilization: Cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments with recommended methods, like autoclaving.
  • Disinfection: Cleaning and disinfecting every exam room and all its surfaces before each patient appointment.
  • Waste Disposal: Proper disposal of medical waste that follows all safety protocols.
  • Continuous Learning: It’s important that all staff receive updates and training on any new protocols to ensure everyone is on the same page and aware of proper procedures.

Every one of these practices is necessary and must be followed every day. Each patient interaction deserves the utmost care to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Qualifications Required to Become a Dental Assistant

Becoming a dental assistant requires you to earn a high school diploma, or G.E.D., and then can require you to complete a dental assisting program with an accredited institution to get your license or certificate in the state where you plan to work. Depending on where you live, you may also be required to pass a state or national exam and obtain additional qualifications like a CPR certification or a certification to operate X-ray equipment.

Training programs to become a dental assistant provide you with the opportunity to pursue a career as a dental assistant, dental hygienist assistant, or dental receptionist. A combination of classroom instruction and lab training gives you the knowledge and skills you need to enter this field. Along with formal education and training, dental assistant candidates should possess good communication and organization skills. It’s also important for dental assistants to have patience, empathy, and compassion to work well with patients and other staff on the dental team.

Are you ready to embark on a meaningful career that provides both job security and financial stability? Enroll in the Dental Assistant Program at PCI Health Training Center. You can train to become a dental assistant in as little as nine months.