Roles of the Infection Control Coordinator

 An infection control coordinator (ICC) has training in infection prevention and should be responsible
for developing written infection prevention policies and procedures based on evidence-based
guidelines, regulations, or standards

Leadership Role
The entire dental team must be committed and accountable for infection prevention within a facility.
However, the ICC has the overall responsibility of coordinating the individualized and written
infection control and prevention program. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Guidelines for
Compliance states: “In order to have a successful program, you must assign responsibility for both
the initial and ongoing activities that have to be undertaken to comply with the rule.  Early
4

identification of responsible employees and their involvement in developing your action plan will
result in a more effective program design.” 5

Maintain Relevant Documents

The CDC recommends that dental facilities develop and maintain a written health program for DHCP
based on evidence-based guidelines, regulations, and standards. The written program should include
policies, procedures, and guidelines for education and training; immunizations; exposure prevention
and post exposure management; medical conditions, work-related illness, and associated work
restrictions; contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; and the maintenance of records, data
management, and confidentiality.  OSHA mandates that the bloodborne pathogens standard
1

(BPS)  and hazard communication standard  be available to all employees. Other documents such as
5 4

the exposure control plan, hazard communication programs, safety data sheets, and list of
hazardous chemicals (and others) must be written and current.

Maintain Current and Relevant Permits and Licenses and Other Documents
Relevant permits and licenses include manifests from medical waste haulers, radiographic
equipment certifications, fire extinguisher certifications, and others.  The ICC ensures that disposal
6

of regulated and medical waste follows federal, state, and local regulations and all personnel who
handle and dispose of regulated medical waste are appropriately trained and informed of possible
health and safety hazards.

Maintain Safety-Related Records and Logs

The ICC generates, updates, and maintains logs of other safety-related records in compliance with
federal, state, and local regulations. These may include training, sterilization records, employee
medical records, and other equipment maintenance logs. The ICC should also ensure that
equipment (sterilizers, eyewash stations, instrument washers, x-ray units) are functioning correctly,
adequately maintained, and that certification is current.

Provide Infection Control Training

Training for all dental personnel must occur at least annually. The ICC may provide or coordinate
infection control and OSHA mandated training to include updates on new information, equipment,
products, chemicals, procedures, and technology. Initial training shall be upon hire, when there is a
change in responsibilities of staff that may affect the employee’s occupational exposure, or in
response to changes in recommendations or regulations.

Monitor Compliance
A checklist is useful for monitoring infection prevention compliance. The ICC can use the two-part
checklist included as a companion to the Summary to provide an assurance of quality control and
facilitate improvement and compliance with CDC guidelines and an office specific infection control
program.  The checklist provides a review of practices for basic expectations for safe dental care
1

and assesses the correct performance of infection control protocols by dental personnel.

Verify Employee Immunizations

Immunizations are an essential part of an infection control program and a written comprehensive
immunization policy should be implemented for all dental facilities.  The recommended
2

immunizations include the hepatitis B virus vaccination (and others). It is recommended to follow
U.S. Public Health Service/CDC recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination, serologic testing,
follow-up, and boosters.  The ICC should confirm and maintain documentation that employee
1

immunizations are current.

Ensure Availability of Infection Control Equipment

The ICC should ensure that all infection prevention equipment and supplies are available to ensure a
safe work environment for DHCP and patients. OSHA indicates that the employer must ensure that
appropriate personal protective equipment in the proper sizes is readily accessible at the
workstation. 1

Be an Infection Prevention Resource

To perform these responsibilities, the ICC must have adequate time to complete responsibilities,
access to relevant publications, continuing education, topic specific workshops and seminars,
professional membership, and support of top management/administration.  Opportunities to
3

network with other IC professionals may also be beneficial.

Resources for the ICC

The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) resources available for the ICC include
training programs, toolkits, videos, slide decks, and a CDC interactive online training
course.  Advantages of OSAP membership also include updates regarding regulations, emerging
3

diseases, vaccines, and new safety devices and products.

Establish a Culture of Safety

An ICC should help exemplify a culture of safety—the shared commitment of the employer and
employees toward ensuring the safety of the work environment, the office personnel, and the
patients. In a culture of safety, all employees are empowered to voice safety concerns and
implement solutions to prevent harm.  The ICC plays a vital role in patient and personnel safety,
7

compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations, and efficient use of resources to ensure the
safest Healthcare visit for all.