Quality Resource Guide l Infection Prevention in Dentistry: The Roles of the Infection Control Coordinator 1st Edition 3 www.metdental.com CASE SCENARIO: A dental practice is in a state that has a state-run OSHA program. A dental hygienist noted a discrepancy between standards in the state OSHA program vs. CDC Guidelines regarding recommendations for the frequency of biologically monitoring autoclaves. The state OSHA program mandates biological monitoring monthly, whereas CDC Guidelines recommend weekly intervals (and more frequently in specific scenarios). The hygienist shared this discrepancy with her ICC, who noted that the more stringent standard should be followed. Thus, dental team members in this facility monitor their autoclaves weekly per the more stringent standard and in alignment with CDC Guidance. TIP: Consider the CDC Guidelines and the CDC Summary as one might compare an original body of literature, such as a novel, to its CliffsNotes or SparkNotes version. The Summary is intended to serve as a complement to the original document. It should be used as a study guide, a learning tool, a refresher, or a quick reference. It is not intended as a substitute for the original document. Are CDC Guidelines Recommended or Required? While CDC is an advisory agency and the information in the above document consists of “recommendations”, the role of the Guidelines has become complex. Many state dental boards require compliance with CDC Guidelines. In these states, following the guidelines is not “recommended” but is required or mandatory. It is essential to remember that CDC Guidance is considered the standard of care and best practices. Even if a state does not require compliance with CDC Guidelines, these recommendations are viewed as best practices and may be upheld in a court of law. In other words, if an infection control breach should occur within the facility, following CDC Guidance would be viewed favorably. TIP: To obtain access to CDC Guidelines and CDC Summary, download the CDC DentalCheck Mobile App: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/ infectioncontrol/dentalcheck.html. Table 2 - Agencies that impact infection prevention in dentistry Advisory (provides guidance) Regulatory American Dental Association (ADA) American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) State Dental Associations X Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or State-run OSHA Program X Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) X Note: • CDC Guidelines may be considered regulatory if the state dental board has adopted CDC Guidance. • In addition, CDC Guidelines are considered best practices for infection prevention and may be upheld or viewed favorably in a court of law. State Boards of Dentistry State Licensing and Regulatory Affairs X Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) X Note: FDA and EPA do not provide regulatory documents for dental health care providers. Instead, manufacturers incorporate FDA and EPA regulatory information into their “Instructions for Use” (IFU). Thus, dental personnel MUST comply with the IFU on all infection control-related equipment, supplies, and materials products to comply with these agencies. The Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP) X Accrediting Agencies, including The Joint Commission or the Commission or Dental Accreditation (CODA) (if applicable to your setting) X