A medical history does not identify all &ldquo\;infectious patients&rdquo\; in the dental office.&nbsp\; Therefore, Standard Precautions must be used when providing care to all patients. Part One of this two-part Guide discusses the history of: 1) infectious diseases and the healthcare worker\; 2) the development of guidelines by the Center for Disease Control to protect both the patient and the healthcare worker\; and 3) the OSHA regulations that impact the dental office. It discusses Standard Precautions for use during dental care, including aseptic procedures and personal protective barriers, as well as vaccine recommendations and management of dental waterlines. A companion Guide, &ldquo\;Infection Control and OSHA Update Part Two&rdquo\; outlines other specific infection control procedures for the dental office. It is suggested that Part One be thoroughly reviewed before reading Part Two.

Pandemics caused by specific unique viruses for which we have no vaccines nor effective therapy regimens seem to be occurring with increasing frequency. The impact of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has been devastating to the world. Oral health care providers were undoubtedly affected. In the beginning, when little was known about the virus and its transmissibility, practices were shut down. Later, as we learned more, dentists, staff members, and patients faced supply shortages and significant safety concerns. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG) provides an evidence-based review of: spatter, droplets and aerosols, and their relationship to respiratory diseases\; how SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses are transmitted\; ways in which bio-aerosols can be generated during dental therapy, and\; recent infection control recommendations to reduce and manage the potential for airborne infection in dentistry. An in-depth discussion of airborne disease transmission will assist all dental office team members in understanding the importance of protocols and procedures put in place and communicate to patients the steps taken to protect their safety. A publication accompanies the QRG: Best Practices for Infection Control in Dental Clinics During the Covid-19 Pandemic. It includes essential guidance for the dental team and an extensive checklist for preparing the dental clinic for patients and visitors. The QRG will serve as a vital update resource for practitioners and staff members as they seek to improve patient safety.