What are the 5 standards of infection control?
In a dental clinic, infection control is of the greatest importance. Each patient contact can transmit infectious agents, and it is the duty of every dental team member to restrict that potential. As a trainee dental assistant, you may be wondering, “What are the 5 standards of infection control?” Learning what they are and how to apply them is critical to patient and staff safety.
At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, students are taught these standards through their course of study. Infection control measures are covered on day one of the course and again each time they work in the practical labs. Repetition builds confidence, competence, and fully ready to implement these standards in real-world clinical practice.
The Five Infection Control Standards
All five infection control standards are barrier layers. Together, they provide a firm foundation for safe and effective dental care.
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing is the most effective prevention against the spread of diseases. You will be instructed when to wash your hands, how to wash them, and what soap or sanitizer to use. This is a simple practice that reduces virus and bacteria transmission.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Correct handling of PPE is necessary. They include gloves, masks, eye goggles, and gowns. You will be taught how to put on and remove PPE to avoid getting contaminated, when to replace it, and how to dispose of it. PPE helps to protect you from coming into contact with dangerous microorganisms.
Instrument Sterilization and Disinfection
Dental equipment needs to be cleaned, sterilized, and stored according to strict protocols. You will learn how to use ultrasonic cleaners, autoclaves, and sterilization pouches. Proper training in surface disinfection and the correct handling of contaminated waste is a primary infection prevention method.
Waste Disposal
Dental clinics generate general as well as biohazardous waste. You will learn how to sort and dispose of items such as soiled gauze, sharps, and dirty PPE. Waste disposal is required in a proper manner so that we can comply with laws and environmental standards.
Environmental Cleaning
All operatory surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. You will learn which cleaning agents to use and how frequently. Surface barriers, log disinfectants, and frequent wipe-downs are all part of infection control for a dental assistant.
All five standards of infection control work together in an effort to make the environment safe for providers, patients, and staff. These are not things that can be omitted—these are legal and ethical requirements for any dental clinic.
Using These Standards as a Dental Assisting Student
At Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting, students do more than memorize these standards—students live them every day. In the lab, in class, and during clinicals, infection control is integrated into all tasks. This repetition builds the habits and attention to detail that are hallmarks of a successful dental assistant.
You will use the same equipment found in professional dental offices, with hands-on experience in:
- Sterilization station maintenance
- Caring for PPE and waste receptacles
- Folding and dismantling treatment stations
- Instructing team members regarding safety protocol
You will learn how to deal with situations such as patients’ resistance while using PPE or reacting to sudden exposure to unknown contaminants. Infection control will be second nature by graduation time.
Understanding these standards also makes you and others safer. Dental assistants are on the front lines of infection prevention. Your training reduces risk not only in the operatory but in the community at large.
Master the 5 Standards of Infection Control Today
So, what are the 5 standards of infection control? They are the building blocks of safe dental practice.
Ready to train with confidence? Call Kingsburg School of Dental Assisting today for more information on how we train you to deliver the highest standards of care and safety. Your journey to becoming a qualified, responsible dental assistant begins here.
