Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices protect patients, dental assistants, and the entire dental team. Following IPC requirements helps reduce the risk of infection, supports safe care, and is a core part of professional dental assisting practice in Alberta.
Your role in safe practice
As a dental assistant, you play a key role in preventing the spread of infection in dental settings. You’re responsible for understanding and following IPC requirements every time you practise, regardless of your setting or role. IPC is one of your professional responsibilities and a key part of public protection.
This includes:
- applying IPC principles consistently and correctly
- following clinic policies that align with College requirements
- taking action when infection risks are identified
- staying current with IPC standards and guidance
IPC Standards and Guidelines
The College requires registrants to follow the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta’s (CDSA) IPC Standards and has created Guidelines that set out expectations for safe infection control practices in dental settings. These documents support consistent, evidence-informed practice and clarify what’s required of you.
Review the CDSA’s IPC Standards
Review the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines
Needlestick Injuries and Bloodborne Exposure
If a needlestick injury or blood and body fluid exposure occurs, it’s important to act immediately and follow the appropriate steps.
- contact HealthLink (811) as soon as possible, preferably within an hour
- tell them you’ve experienced an occupational exposure
Review the Blood and Body Fluid Exposure (BBFE) Chart
Reusable and single-use medical devices
Dental assistants must follow requirements related to the cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, storage, and use of medical devices. This includes understanding the difference between reusable and single-use devices and ensuring they are handled appropriately to prevent patient harm.
Review the Reusable and Single-Use Medical Devices Standards
Sharps and syringes
Safe handling and disposal of sharps and syringes is critical to preventing injury and exposure. Dental assistants must follow established protocols to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and cross-contamination.
When you work with dental needles and other sharps, follow this Policy Protocol Sharps, Syringes & Safety Engineered Syringes (SES). For dental offices with a policy that allows for not using Safety Engineered Syringes for certain procedures, this acceptance applies.
Safety engineered syringes and needle recapping
In this video, the CDSA shares information about their request for acceptance to the prohibition on recapping needles. The video outlines responsibilities for dental practices that allow recapping of needles.
