Overview
Bay River College’s IPAC in Dentistry Program provides dental professionals with a comprehensive foundation in Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), with a strong focus on the practical application of infection prevention principles in dental practice.
The course equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage an office-specific IPAC program using a risk management framework. Students develop an understanding of the scientific principles and practical applications of asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization, while learning how to align infection prevention practices with public health and regulatory requirements.
The curriculum covers the full spectrum of infection prevention and control in dental settings, including instrument reprocessing, environmental asepsis, equipment maintenance, quality assurance, written protocols, compliance audits, and record management.
A strong emphasis is placed on the leadership role within an IPAC program. Students learn how to communicate effectively, train team members, conduct routine audits, identify potential problems, and formulate evidence-based solutions using a risk-assessment approach.
Upon completion, students will be better prepared to establish, implement, and monitor an effective IPAC program within a dental practice, supporting safe and consistent infection prevention practices and patient care.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Lead the development and implementation of an office-specific IPAC program.
- Apply evidence-based principles of asepsis, disinfection, and sterilization.
- Execute and monitor critical IPAC processes, including instrument reprocessing, environmental cleaning, and equipment maintenance.
- Identify common IPAC errors and formulate effective solutions using a risk-assessment model.
- Communicate effectively to lead a team, conduct routine audits, and maintain accurate records.
Curriculum Details
- IPAC Program: Routine practices, workflow, protocols, and responsibilities
- Instrument Reprocessing: Decontamination, packaging, sterilization, and storage
- Environmental Safety: Operatory, radiography, laboratory, and engineering controls
- Equipment & Maintenance: Waterlines, suction systems, anti-retraction valves, and MIFU
- Quality Assurance: Audits, inventory, documentation, and sterilization recall
Practical Application
The program emphasizes the practical application of infection prevention principles within dental practices. Students learn how to assess existing practices, identify gaps, develop appropriate protocols, and apply risk-based solutions to improve IPAC compliance.
Particular attention is given to written protocols, workflow management, instrument reprocessing, sterilization monitoring, environmental safety, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance.
Who Should Take This Course?
This program is designed primarily for:
- Dental professionals
- Registered Dental Hygienists
- Dental assistants
- Dental practice teams
- Dental practice managers
- Professionals responsible for infection prevention and control within dental settings
It may also be suitable for dental practices seeking to strengthen their infection prevention systems, protocols, documentation, and quality assurance processes.
Learning Approach
The course focuses on practical, evidence-based learning and application within dental practice settings. Learning activities may include:
- Instructor-led teaching
- Practical examples and case-based learning
- Review of IPAC procedures and protocols
- Risk-assessment exercises
- Audit and quality-assurance activities
- Discussion of real-world dental practice scenarios
Institution Commitment
At Bay River College, we focus on diploma and certification programs designed to meet real workforce needs. We are committed to the success of our students and graduates.
