Efforts to protect dental healthcare professionals from occupational exposure to pathogenic microorganisms continue to include the application of Standard- and Transmission-based Precautions. These remain the foundations for effective infection prevention in clinical settings. The current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a review and update of PPE and other infection control strategies that were used before emergence of SARS-CoV-2. This presentation will discuss recent science-based CDC recommendations and OSHA regulations as they relate to suggested PPE and air quality modifications in dental practices.

Your practice has been hit not only by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also may have been touched by such disasters as fires, hurricanes, urban destruction and their resultant economic and social effects. Our understanding of the effects of these cumulative disasters may take years, but some immediate lessons learned, actions to prepare us for the next disaster, and how practices have adapted would benefit pediatric dentists now. Managing the next crisis effectively can lead to enhanced safety for patients, more trust and motivation from staff, and a quicker economic rebound for your practice.

Special attention will be given to such COVID-related concerns as spatter and aerosols, increased exposure to surface disinfectants, chronic hypoxia from N-95 masks, and more. Members will leave the program equipped to take on current and future safety challenges with a risk-assessment checklist and a cornucopia of information.
Learning Objectives:
How to evaluate the occupational risks within their particular dental practices
Which new occupational hazards in post-COVID dentistry pose the greatest risks
What they can do today – and tomorrow – to manage occupational risks with effectiveness and efficiency