KANDIS V. GARLAND, RDH, MS, is an associate professor at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. Her career spans 22 years as a dental hygienist and educator where she has served as clinic coordinator and health and safety coordinator. Her research, which she presents nationally, focuses on infection control. Garland is an active member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention.
As hepatitis C infections surge, oral health professionals must stay informed to protect themselves and their patients, emphasizing the importance of education, testing, and early detection in combating this silent disease
While dentistry has long been celebrated for embracing infection prevention protocols and guidance updates, nothing tested cliniciansโ mettle more than the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following strategies will help oral health professionals prevent infection control breaches โ such as needlestick injuries โ and manage postexposure events.