Washtenaw Community College
Safety and Asepsis Policies and Procedures Manual
Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Statement
Students must understand that during the laboratory and clinical courses, they will have exposure to blood, tissue, secretions, or body fluids and are at risk for Hepatitis B (HBV) as well as other infectious diseases. All students must understand and follow the policies and procedures in place for not only their protection but for those of the patients as well. Even with careful practice unintentional exchange of bloodborne pathogens may occur. When considering a career in the healthcare field, consider how contracting an infectious disease would impact their life and career.
The risk of transmitting a chronic infectious disease in the dental environment when appropriate standard precautions are implemented is limited. However, if precautions fail a disease carrier can place patients and other dental staff members at risk. Careful ethical consideration should be given if the student is infected with a bloodborne disease.
Safety and infection prevention are extremely important in the dental field. As such students that do not adhere to the policies and procedures as outlined will be dismissed from the program.