The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) finalized new Dental Infection Control Rules on Dec. 23, 2020. The new rules went into effect on Jan. 23, 2021, with the exception of water line testing (effective Dec. 1, 2021) and sterilization of low-speed hand piece motors (effective Aug. 31, 2022).

Key Dates

• Jan. 23, 2021- New Rules Take Effect
• Dec. 1, 2021- Water Line Testing Requirement Begins
• By Jan. 23, 2022 & On Annual Basis Thereafter- One-Hour Infection Prevention Standards Education Due
• Aug. 31, 2022- Sterilization of Low-Speed Hand Piece Motors Requirement Begins

WSDA has created a members-only infection control section on wsda.org featuring frequently asked questions from DQAC and resources for member dentists to complete new requirements. 

Infection Control FAQs

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Free & Discounted Infection Control Resources

WSDA has partnered with Harris Biomedical to help members meet the education and written infection control program requirements of the new rules.

Options to meet the one-hour infection prevention standards education requirement (due by Jan. 23, 2022 and on an annual basis thereafter):

• Free One-Hour Pre-Recorded Webinar: Harris Biomedical is offering a free, pre-recorded infection control webinar for WSDA members.
• Discounted One-Hour Live Webinar: Harris Biomedical is offering a series of live infection control webinars at a discounted price for WSDA members. WSDA Member Price: $75 (Retail Price: $93)
• Infection Control Course at PNDC: WSDA will offer a live infection control course at the 2021 Pacific Northwest Dental Conference.

Options to meet the written infection control program requirement:

• Discounted Written Infection Control Program: Harris Biomedical is offering a written infection control program tailored to your office at a discounted price for WSDA members. WSDA Member Price: $263 (Retail Price: $329)
• Free Infection Prevention Checklist: Dental offices may consider using the CDC’s free Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings as a guide for their own written infection prevention policies and procedures.

Members, log in here to learn more.

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