Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Dentistry
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Dental Assistants [18 VAC 60 ‑ 30]
Action Training in infection control
Stage NOIRA
Comment Period Ended on 3/31/2021
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3/31/21  2:56 pm
Commenter: Natalie Baxter

Support and encourage Infection Control training for supporting Dental Assistants
 

I am in support of having all Dental Assistants be trained in Infection Control.  I am new to the field of dentistry but have a background as a CNA.  I have always wondered why the standards of care including protecting patients, health care providers and staff are not the same, as both medical fields involve exposure and/or potential exposure to all of the bodily fluids and can be passed from one to another in a variety of ways.  Since beginning the Dental Assisting program, I have thought a lot about where we go for dental care and wondered whether or not they have training in infection control etc...  I would not knowingly place my children or myself in the hands of someone who is not knowledgeable in infection control because it presents a great risk that does not outweigh the benefit.  Until now, I have assumed and trusted that all medical professionals have medical training.  As a future Dental Assistant, I will seek out a practice who supports infection control training in their other Dental Assistants.  That will be a sign of encouragement to me that they have their patients' and staff members' well being and good health as a priority in their offering of safe medical-professional oral health care.

CommentID: 97640