Record number of oral healthcare professionals earn the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate
Infection prevention and control has always been essential within the dental practice, but lately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more critical.
To make dental infection control education more accessible, the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and the DALE Foundation have developed a first-of-its-kind online educational certificate program: the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program™.
Earning the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate™ requires completing two online educational modules and passing an assessment, which launched on March 10, 2020.
By July 24, 600 oral healthcare professionals had earned the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate.
“We are thrilled to see hundreds of dedicated professionals take the initiative to advance their knowledge in dental infection prevention and control,” said OSAP Executive Director Michelle Lee, CPC. “Dental safety is a core value to OSAP, and through the OSAP-DALE Foundation Certificate Program, we can help ensure that patients and providers are protected.”
The OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program is intended for every dental team member, plus educators, consultants, dental sales representatives, service technicians, customer service personnel, and state dental board and public health investigators and inspectors.
The OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program was developed by leading infection control experts and reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Oral Health. The program focuses on the application of Standard Precautions as addressed in guidance documents for dental providers published by CDC in 2003 and 2016 and in the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.
“Access to high-quality, evidence-based infection control information is paramount,” said DANB and DALE Foundation Executive Director Cynthia Durley, M.Ed., MBA. “With the vast amount of infection control information available, it can be challenging to discern what is accurate. The OSAP-DALE Foundation Certificate Program was created and reviewed by experts, so it is a trusted resource.”
In a recent survey, those who earned the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate reported the top benefits to them were greater knowledge (94%), personal pride (72%), and increased confidence (63%). They identified several ways they planned to apply their knowledge, including improving the infection control procedures in their practice and providing infection control training or consulting to others. Certificate holders also said they earned the certificate to pursue new career opportunities, such as moving into a consulting role or becoming an Infection Control Coordinator.
Those who earn the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate may choose to go on to earn the dental infection control professional certifications currently being developed by OSAP and the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).
To learn more about the OSAP-DALE Foundation Dental Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program and the OSAP-DANB Certified in Dental Infection Prevention and Control™ (CDIPC™) and Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control™ (DISIPC™) certifications, visit dentalinfectioncontrol.org.
About the OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation Collaboration
OSAP, DANB and the DALE Foundation have come together to collaborate on a comprehensive infection control education and certification initiative.
OSAP is a leading provider of infection prevention and control education, training and credentialing that supports safe dental visits. DANB provides credentialing services to the dental community. The DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, delivers quality education and conducts sound research to promote oral health. To learn more, visit dentalinfectioncontrol.org.