Bloodborne Pathogen  and Infectious Disease Policy Statement

  1. Dental Health Care Personnel (DHCP) are responsible for knowing their health status and monitoring changes in their status.  DHCP who have acute or chronic medical conditions that may affect their ability to deliver dental health care safely need to consult with their physician.
  2. Any conditions that could be a contraindication to delivering patient care must be reported to the Dental Hygiene Department Chairperson (e.g. COVID-19, HBV, HCV, HDV, and HIV). The DHCP will be restricted from patient contact until a determination is made regarding their ability to have patient contact.  The department chairperson will convene an expert review panel to make that determination.
  3. The expert review panel will consist of at a minimum: a) DHCP’s personal physician(s), b) the director of Student Health, and c) department chair of the Dental Hygiene Department.
  4. The expert review panel will advise, based on current science, which exposure prone procedures each DHCP testing positive for a bloodborne pathogen may perform or what date to return to clinic.
  5. Based upon the advice of the expert review panel, a determination will be made whether the faculty, staff or student testing positive for a bloodborne pathogen can satisfactorily complete the requirements for graduation or perform the essential functions of the position without being a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
  6. To the extent required by law, the bloodborne pathogen status of a DHCP will be kept confidential.
  7. Transmission of bloodborne pathogens is a rare occurrence in dental health care settings today. However, the consequences of transmitting a bloodborne pathogen is serious and warrants discussion of methods of preventing such occurrences.  Transmission of viruses and diseases can occur between dental health care personnel (DHCP) and patients.   The bloodborne pathogens hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis D (HDV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are of particular interest to DHCP. 
  8. Preventing occupational exposure to blood is the primary way to prevent transmission of a bloodborne pathogen. Exposure may occur through injury or exposure to other potentially infectious material (OPIM).  The use of standard precautions, devices to prevent sharp injuries, and work-place modifications will aid in reducing exposures.  The Dental Hygiene Department routinely educates students, faculty, and staff in exposure prevention methods.
  9. DHCP are considered to be at risk for contracting HBV, influenza, COVID-19, measles, mumps, and rubella. All of these infections are preventable through immunization.  The Dental Hygiene Department requires immunization with HBV, MMR, TDAP and an annual TB screening. The HBV immunization series must be completed before beginning the program. DHCP may decline the HBV vaccine but must document their decision with the department.  Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccination or physician documentation is required. Influenza, COVID-19 and meningococcal vaccinations are required by the rotation sites that are part of the Dental Hygiene curriculum.  Without the vaccinations licensure and graduation may be delayed due to inability to rotate to these sites.

  10. Department and university safety rules and precautions are in place to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and students voluntarily assume full responsibility for following safety rules and use of all protective equipment the Department may supply. The Dental Hygiene Department routinely updates and educates students, faculty, and staff in safety rules and precautions to mitigate spread of infectious diseases, of which the most important is to be vaccinated.