OSAP Offers Interactive Guide to CDC Guidelines

OSAP OFFERS INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO CDC GUIDELINES

ANNAPOLIS, MD:  November 1, 2007 - The Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) announces the release of From Policy to Practice: OSAP’s Interactive Guide to the CDC Guidelines.  The free online program uses a variety of methods to help dental professionals learn how to implement the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings.  The program is available in English and Spanish. 

The format of the Interactive Guide to the CDC Guidelines is based on the adult learning theory that recognizes people have different styles of learning and that the different styles play a significant role in retention.  Participants can read the content and, if interested, conduct further research on specific topics by referring to the resource list.  Audio narration is available for those who prefer to learn by listening.  For visual learners, the OSAP program contains photographs, illustrations, and diagrams.  For those who like to engage with course content, the program is highly interactive.

Appropriately, the program setting is a dental practice.  The dental team – a dentist, a dental assistant, an infection control coordinator, and a dental hygienist – take turns presenting OSHA regulations and the CDC Guidelines, reinforcing the message that infection control and safety is a team effort and is everyone’s responsibility.  Checklists, flowcharts, and demonstrations illustrate complex concepts to increase understanding of the principles of infection control and safety and show how to apply them in practice.  Self-evaluation quizzes are interspersed throughout and can be used as a tool to determine an individual’s understanding of the Guidelines and to identify policies and practices that may need updating.

The program’s modular format provides the learner with options.  Users can go through the course from beginning to end, or access the course map and menu and choose specific infection control topics.  There are seven modules in the course:  The Importance of Infection Control, Take Action to Stay Healthy, Avoid Contact with Blood and Body Fluids, Make Objects Safe for Use, Limit Contamination, Special Considerations and Program Evaluation.  A glossary provides definitions and phrases used within the course, and a readily available help screen assists with course navigation.  OSAP’s Interactive Guide to the CDC Guidelines can be used as a stand-alone program or can supplement other infection control courses.

From Policy to Practice: OSAP’s Interactive Guide to the CDC Guidelines can be accessed free of charge at www.OSAP.org.  For those who wish to be tested on the material and earn 10 CE credits, there is a special introductory processing fee of $20 for members and $40 for nonmembers through December 1.  After that, processing fees will increase to $100 and $150, respectively for the 10 CE hours.  OSAP is recognized by the American Dental Association as a CERP provider.

<< Back