Implementation of a Successful Sterilization and High-Level Disinfection Outpatient Program

Training opportunities in sterilization and disinfection of patient care items and devices in dental settings

“…1,2 The literature emphasizes the need for education and training in the sterilization process, sterilizers, and the benefits of competency evaluations. 1,3,4 From August 2018 to June 2021, the Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP), funded by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NE DHHS) through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provided voluntary consultations to dental facilities across Nebraska using a checklist adapted from the CDC “Basic Expectations of Safe Care.” 5 Our program emphasized assessments consisting of policy and practice review with staff and direct observation of clinical practice. Here, we report our findings in 3 key areas related to sterilization and disinfection of patient care items and devices: (1) staff training, (2) sterilization and disinfection processes, and (3) other best practices assessed related to instrument reprocessing.…”