OSAP-DANB-DALE Foundation launch website for dental infection control education and certification
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) and the DALE Foundation are collaborating on a comprehensive infection control education and certification initiative. The initiative will establish a standardized infection control educational program, two professional certification programs and online continuing education. These collaborative initiatives advance the organizations' missions, which relate to enhancing patient and practitioner safety.
On February 22, OSAP, DANB and the DALE Foundation launched a new website that will serve as a hub of information to both the profession and the dental trade on dental infection control education and certification.
The Dental Infection Control Education & Certification website, dentalinfectioncontrol.org, is now available for all dental professionals, including clinicians, educators, consultants, state dental board investigators and inspectors, and dental sales representatives. The easy-to-navigate site offers specific steps on how to enhance current infection control knowledge and demonstrate real commitment to patient safety.
Those who pursue the comprehensive education and certification programs can boost their credibility and potential job prospects. Other benefits include:
- Increased performance and job satisfaction
- Deeper level of connection and credibility with patients
- Potential new career growth opportunities
- Demonstrated commitment to patient and dental team safety
- Verification of knowledge-based competence in dental infection prevention and control
- And more!
“The multi-faceted dental infection prevention education and certification initiative is a game-changing outcome of a unique collaboration of experts,” said Michelle Lee, CPC, executive director of OSAP. “After several infection control breaches in dental settings made national headlines, OSAP combined its expertise in infection control with DANB for its certification and credentialing expertise and the DALE Foundation, a research and online education developer and official DANB affiliate. The new website highlights the elements of the collaboration for the profession.”
Cynthia Durley, M.Ed., MBA, executive director of DANB and the DALE Foundation, added: “The website offers numerous resources including the educational framework of seven national dental associations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a background article on the initiative, training needs analysis, brochures, FAQs and much more.
“The new education and certification initiative will raise the bar on the quality and reliability of infection control information,” Durley continued. “And the two OSAP-DANB professional certification programs can help protect the public by measuring knowledge and experience based on a formal job analysis, not a specific curriculum, through a standardized comprehensive exam.”
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About OSAP
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. OSAP offers an extensive online collection of resources, publications, FAQs, checklists and toolkits that help dental professionals deliver the safest dental visit possible for their patients. Plus, online and live courses help advance the level of knowledge and skill for every member of the dental team. The organization’s Annual Conference is May 30-June 2 in Tucson, AZ. For additional information, visit www.OSAP.org.
About DANB
The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) is recognized by the American Dental Association as the national certifying board for dental assistants. DANB’s mission is to promote the public good by providing credentialing services to the dental community. DANB exams and certifications are recognized or required by 38 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, visit www.danb.org.
About the DALE Foundation
The DALE Foundation, the official DANB affiliate, benefits the public by providing quality continuing education and conducting sound research to promote oral health. The DALE Foundation offers interactive e-learning courses and study aids to help dental assistants and other dental auxiliaries expand their knowledge and grow their careers. To learn more, visit www.dalefoundation.org.