The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA) is in support of proposed Chapter Regulations governing the Practice of Dental Assisting (18 VA 60-30) Training in Infection Control.

In October 2020, the ADAA called on all states to recognize the importance of educating dental assistants in infection control. 

Our position recommends a minimum of 12 hours of didactic instruction in infection control and 4 hours of hands-on instruction to include skill evaluations that are signed off on by a licensed dentist for all dental assistants.  We believe that each individual State Board will know how best to serve the citizens of their state to keep them safe while in a dental office.

The ADAA believes that an educated dental assistant is an asset first and foremost to the public, then to the dental practice.  The ADAA offers course work for all dental assistants that covers several different areas of infection control, including waterline biofilm, handwashing techniques, placement of barriers in the treatment room and placement of personal protective equipment.

Please contact ADAA should you need additional information.  We would be pleased to discuss this issue further with you.