Package Description

The effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dentistry has been particularly concerning. It was submitted that one of the primary mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus transmission is via spatter and aerosols known to be generated throughout dental procedures. It is reasoned, therefore, that aerosol generation from the use of a dental handpiece or an ultrasonic scaler in a patient’s mouth has, at least in theory, the potential of transmitting the virus, even though no conclusive evidence of viral transmission occurring in a dental treatment environment has been documented to date. Therefore, this issue has raised concern about the potential spread of the virus in the dental setting and has contributed to the need to develop aerosol and spatter mitigation strategies. Dental providers must remain vigilant in their infection prevention and control practices. This webinar focuses on understanding the use of engineering controls to reduce environmental contamination.

Learning Objectives:

After completing this course, learners should be able to:

• gain insights as to disease transmission potential during daily dental procedures
• gain insights as to steps that can effectively mitigate transmission potential and how to provide a safer work environment for patients and teams
• describe available containment systems for aerosols and droplets
• list available UVGI options for disinfection of air, surfaces, and instruments
• describe what we know about air cleansers, e.g., Portable HEPA filtration Units and where CDC stands on other treatment methods

Price:

• Members: $15
• Non-members: $30

CE Information:

CE Credits: 1.00

Click here to view detailed CE information about this course.

Speaker(s):

Matthew Arduino, MS, DrPH, FSHEA, M(ASCP)
Dr. Arduino is a Public Health Microbiologist and Infection Preventionist. He was a bench microbiologist
in the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research from 1980-82. He served as bench
microbiologist and weekend supervisor at Westchester County Medical Center from 1982-1984 before
returning to graduate school for a doctorate in Public Health from the University of North Carolina. He
served as a research microbiologist from 1988-1994, lead research microbiologist 1994-2006, Deputy
Branch Chief 2006-2010, and Branch Chief 2010-2014 of the Clinical and Environmental Microbiology
Branch, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, CDC. Dr. Arduino currently serves as Senior Adviser
for Environmental Hygiene and Infection Prevention, in the Office of the Director, in the Division of
Healthcare Quality Promotion. He has authored and coauthored 148 articles indexed in PubMed. Dr.
Arduino is a Fellow in the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

John Comisi, DDS
Dr. Comisi is an Associate Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, Medical
University of South Carolina, James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. He is also Course Director for
the college’s Operative II Course on adhesive and esthetic dentistry, Chair of the Oral Rehabilitation
Department’s Dental Materials Committee, the Infection Control Officer for the college, and currently
the Vice-President of the South Carolina Dental Association.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose