Package Description

While much attention has been given to the risk of waterborne pathogen infections in general healthcare settings, little focus has been placed on similar risk in dental care. Visibility for dental infections related to waterborne pathogens often occurs in the media with large outbreaks. Such media attention and any litigation following outbreaks can damage the reputation and brand of dental facilities and organizations. Water systems to which both patients and dental workers are likely exposed can pose a significant risk with respect to the contamination, growth, and transmission of waterborne pathogens such as non-tuberculous Mycobacterium, Legionella, and Pseudomonas. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association provide guidance regarding the assessment and management of water systems and related equipment used in patient care; however, few enforceable regulations are currently in place that requires dental facilities to evaluate or manage water quality with respect to waterborne pathogens. This presentation will present several case studies involving pediatric patient infections with Mycobacterium abscessus and subsequent risk assessment results related to likely causation. The presentation will also present recommendations for best practices for the management of water systems in dental facilities for the prevention of waterborne pathogen-related infections.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Acquire a basic understanding of water systems at risk for waterborne pathogen contamination and growth in dental facilities.
2. Understand common risk factors that place water systems in dental facilities at increased risk for waterborne pathogen growth.
3. Review common practices for the recognition, evaluation, and control of dental facility water systems to prevent the amplification of waterborne pathogens and subsequent exposure for patients and dental workers.

Price:

• Members: $15
• Non-members: $30

Continuing Education

OSAP is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Please email the OSAP office at office@osap.org or call +1 (410) 571-0003 if you wish to be in contact with the course author/creator(s) with any questions or for clarification of course concepts or for technical assistance in completing the online test.

All participants assume individual responsibility for providing evidence of contact hours of continuing education to the appropriate authorities and for the maintenance of their individual records.

Learn more about OSAP’s CE Program & Provider Recognition.

CE Credits: 1.0
Educational Method: Lecture, Recorded, Self-instructional (self-study)
Location: Online
Publication Date: June 2023
Expiration Date: June 30, 2026

Speakers:

Megan Canright Racicot, MPH, CIH

Megan Canright Racicot, MPH, CIH is a Partner and Corporate Director of Scientific Operations with Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS). She provides company-wide technical and operational direction and facilitates the internal Quality Assurance/Quality Control program. Megan's primary areas of expertise include occupational and environmental exposure assessment, and the evaluation and control of pathogens in support of environmental infection control. Megan is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, and ASSE 12080 certified Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist.

Disclosure: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

Kimberly Kirkland, MPH

Kimberly Kirkland currently serves as Director of Laboratory Services at PathCon Laboratories and has over 25 years of experience in microbial analysis. She has been involved in numerous investigations of indoor environments related to waterborne pathogens, including Legionella bacteria and non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium. She directs all laboratory activities related to the sampling, detection, and analysis of microorganisms from air, water, building materials, and other environmental sources. She works closely with clients to develop sample collection strategies for microbial investigations and in managing the design and implementation of proactive monitoring programs for bacteria in building water systems.

Disclosure: PathCon Laboratories Employee