I strongly encourage the Board of Dentistry to require training in Infection Prevention and Control for Dental Assistant I.  This training is vital for their own personal health and protection as well as that of the patients we serve.  Our patients place their trust in us to maintain our offices as a safe place for them to receive dental care.  That can only happen when each dental team member cares about and has knowledge of how to break the Chain of Infection.

Successful completion of a CE course in Infection Prevention and Control offered by the sponsors recognized by the BOD would provide a MINIMAL standard for these important clinical team members to uphold so that they can help protect both dental patients AND dental team members.  This has become especially evident and important to maintain as we continue to navigate through a global pandemic. 

Thank you for your thoughtful deliberation on this very important subject.