Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care

Related Pages
Current COVID-19 Interim Guidance

Find the most up-to-date information about infection prevention and control practices on CDC’s COVID-19 page, including CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response. These pages include information for the public and healthcare professionals, frequently asked questions and answers, and other helpful links.

This page lets you view the content of the Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care document online. PDF versions are available near the bottom of the page.

  • Infection prevention program administrative measures,
  • Infection prevention education and training,
  • Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette,
  • Updated safe injection practices.
Young man getting a dental checkup

Contents

Notes to Reader, Suggested citation, and Introduction
Objectives

Fundamental Elements Needed to Prevent Transmission of Infectious Agents in Dental Settings

Administrative Measures and Infection Prevention Education Training
Dental Health Care Personnel Safety and Program Evaluation
Standard Precautions
Dental Unit Water Quality

Other Topics and Appendixes

Risk Assessment, Conclusions, and Source Documents
Appendix A: Infection Prevention Checklist
Appendix B: Relevant Recommendations Published by CDC since 2003
Appendix C: Selected References and Additional Resources by Topic Area

Print Materials

Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care pdf icon[PDF – 834 KB]

Resumen de “Prácticas para la prevención de enfermedades en entornos odontológicos: Expectativas básicas para la atención segura” (Spanish) pdf icon[[PDF – 1MB]]

Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings (English, Print-Friendly) pdf icon[PDF – 826 KB]

Lista de verificación para la prevención de enfermedades en entornos odontológicos: Expectativas básicas para la atención segura (Spanish) pdf icon[PDF – 603 KB]

Infection Prevention Checklist for Dental Settings (Fillable Form) pdf icon[PDF – 894 KB]

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Cover image to Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings
Page last reviewed: April 28, 2020
Content source: Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion