PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  Appropriate Infection Control is imperative in the practice of dentistry to protect not only our patients, but the dental staff as well. This program is specifically designed to provide current information on the PRACTICAL APPLICATION of CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in the Dental Health-Care Setting-2003. In addition, an overview of infectious diseases of importance in dentistry will be discussed.  Audience participation will be encouraged during the presentation in hopes of making this course more interactive. 

FACULTY: John B.Tullner, D.D.S., retired as Chief of the Dental Service at the VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA with over 27 years of VA service.  He graduated from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and served 3 years in the US Army as a General Practice Resident and Staff Dentist.  During the last 22 years he has lectured on the practical application of dental infection control and the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.  In 1991, Dr. Tullner was given a six-month sabbatical leave from the VA to pursue his interest in dental infection control during which time he worked closely with the USAF Dental Investigation Service and the VA Potomac Education Center in Washington, DC.  Dr. Tullner served as the consultant for dental infection control to the VA Headquarters Office of Dentistry and from 1992-1997 was the National Coordinator of the VA Homeless Veterans Dental Program.  He has served on the faculty of Georgetown University School of Dentistry and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.  He currently has a part-time appointment as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Clinical Affairs and coordinates the Infection Control and OSHA programs for the VCU Dental School.  Dr. Tullner is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures.   

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

• define the concept of STANDARD PRECAUTIONS in the treatment of dental patients,

• describe and apply current recommendations for dental infection control in radiology and the dental laboratory

• understand the importance and application of recommendations for hand hygiene,

• differentiate between Disinfection and Sterilization and understand the concept of Spaulding’s Classification as it is applied in dentistry,

• have an understanding of the selection and use of disinfectants in the dental clinic,

• apply the 2003 CDC Guidelines for Dental Infection Control, including relative risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens,

• explain the issues related to Dental Unit Waterline Biofilm. 

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  dentists, dental hygienists, and other interested dental office staff. 

CE STATEMENTS: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Employee Education System is an ADA-CERP Recognized Provider.  The formal continuing education programs of this sponsor are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership credit.  The current term of acceptance extends from December 2005-December 2009.  This program has been approved for 6 contact hours. 

AGENDA: 

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM               Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM            Review of Principles of Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens of Concern

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM          Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM          Review of "Updated CDC IC Guidelines December 2003"

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM            Lunch (on our own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM              Practical Application of Infection Control Recommendations

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM             Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM             Clinical Scenarios for Discussion   (Audience Participation)

4:30 PM                               Program Closure

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $165.00 for dentists, $114.00 for all other dental professionals.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast and course material.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137.  Visa, Discover & Mastercard accepted.  Payments must be received at least 5 days prior to the program to ensure registration availability. Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee, will be made until 3 days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $15.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Confirmation letters will not be sent.