Infection Control Checklist & Annual Training Requirements in Washington Dental Practices

Delivering safe care in dental offices means following detailed infection control rules set by the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Dental Commission under WAC 246-817-615 through 660.

Written Policies and Annual Training

Every dental clinic must maintain written infection prevention policies and procedures. These documents must be reviewed and updated each year, and all direct-care staff must complete at least one hour of infection control training annually. Training topics include disease transmission, sterilization, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, sharps safety, dental unit water quality, and compliance with WAC 246-817-601 to 660. Consistent training ensures patient safety and reflects the high standards followed by clinics offering advanced gum care Marysville.

Training may be completed online or in person. If it counts toward the dentist’s continuing education, only 30 minutes may apply to CE credits—though the full hour still fulfills infection control training requirements.

Essential Checklist Components Mid-Article

Below is a table listing key infection control areas that dental clinics must address. This checklist reflects WAC requirements and serves as the core of annual audits and day-to-day safety checks:

Infection Control Area	What to Review or Log
Policies & Procedures	Written protocols; annual review documented
Training Records	Date, topic, staff list; method (online/in-person)
Hand Hygiene & PPE	Supplies availability; glove, mask, eye protection use
Sharps Safety & Sterilization Practices	Use of puncture-resistant containers; spore test logs
Waterline Testing & Disinfection	Quarterly tests logged; sterilizer indicators checked
Designated Infection Prevention Coordinator	Person named and trained to oversee protocols

Maintaining Logs and Demonstrating Compliance

All training and checklist reviews should be documented and saved as part of your clinic’s infection control records. Keep evidence of staff training, completed checklists, sterilization monitoring logs, and waterline testing reports on file. These logs must be readily available during any inspection or audit.

A dental periodontist serving Marysville who consistently documents training and checklist compliance not only protects patients but also reinforces operational transparency and trust.

A periodontal therapy Marysville WA provider demonstrates dedication to best practices when infection control and education records are kept up-to-date and available for review.

References

Washington State Department of Health. (n.d.). Infection Control in Dental Settings (WAC 246-817-601 to 660). Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/dentist/infection-control

Washington Dental Commission. (2025, June 10). Infection Control Checklist. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Aesthetics-ModifiedInspectionChecklist.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care. Atlanta, GA: CDC. Retrieved September 2, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/media/pdfs/2024/07/safe-care2.pdf