Infectious Disease and Bloodborne Pathogens Policy

The purpose of this Policy Addressing Bloodborne Pathogens/Infectious Disease is to minimize the potential for environmental hazards and transmission of infectious disease. Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) Dental Programs are committed to defining and addressing issues related to infectious diseases to protect patients, students, faculty, staff and the rights of individuals who may have an infectious disease. The issues addressed in this policy pertain to bloodborne pathogens/infectious diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). 

Admission/Employment

LWTech Dental Programs will not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants for admission or patients based solely on health status.  

Immunizations 

It is required that students start the vaccination process for Hepatitis B as soon as they receive acceptance into the dental hygiene or dental assisting program. A physical examination, negative Tuberculin (Mantoux) blood or skin test (negative chest x‐ray if positive or contraindicated) and immunizations are additional requirements for dental program students.  

Infectious Disease Testing  

Testing for infectious diseases for dental health care providers (DHCP) and students is not required by Dental Programs. However, health care workers and students who perform exposure‐prone procedures on patients are encouraged to be tested voluntarily to know their health status in the event of exposure. 

Obligation to Report 

A student will be allowed to continue their education as long as the medical condition permits patient care and does not jeopardize the health of other individuals. If an individual poses a risk to others, the Dental Hygiene/Assisting administrator will assist the individual in obtaining counseling and advisement regarding their health and education. 

Confidentiality 

All information regarding the health status of an individual is confidential and protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1994 and the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. A copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices is available on the LWTech website and in the LWTech dental clinic. 

Bloodborne Pathogen & Infection Control Training 

The LWTech Dental Programs comply with all local, state and federal infection control policies including the application of Standard Precautions as stipulated by current Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Guidelines. Written policies and instruction on infection control protocol to minimize the risk of disease transmission is provided in courses throughout the dental hygiene/assisting curriculum, at yearly required bloodborne pathogen training sessions and through documents such as the Dental Program Standards Precaution for Patient Care Manual. Compliance with safety practices is evaluated throughout the students' clinical experience to ensure a safe educational and work environment. 

Limitation of Activity 

The LWTech Dental Programs will follow CDC suggested work restrictions for health‐care personnel infected with or exposed to major infectious diseases in the dental clinic. 

Enforcement of Practice Limitations or Modifications 

Any student or Dental Healthcare Provider (DHCP) who engages in unsafe and/or careless clinical practices that create risk to the health of patients, employees, or students shall be subject to disciplinary action. When such actions are brought to the attention of the Program Administrator, the student or DHCP may be suspended immediately from all patient care activities pending a full investigation of the matter. 

Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens/Infectious Diseases 

DHCP or students who are exposed to a bloodborne pathogen in the course of their clinical care are expected to follow the procedures set forth under the Exposure Protocol within the Dental Program Standard Precautions for Patient Care Manual. 

Environmental Hazards 

Environmental hazards of dental hygiene/assisting practice include disorders associated with repetitive activities, exposure to high decibel sounds, exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, accidental injury, exposure to radiation and allergic reactions to latex or other chemical agents. 

Communication of Infectious Diseases Policy to Dental Clinic Patients 

The infectious diseases policy will be posted on the LWTech Dental Clinic webpage, in the reception area of the Dental Clinic and will also be available as a printout by request. 

Operatory Access Policy: Patient Privacy and Safety Guidelines 

For the purpose of maintaining patient confidentiality, safety, and operational efficiency, individuals who are not patients shall not be permitted in the operatory during patient procedures, except under the following limited circumstances: 

1. Authorized Translator – A translator may be present solely for the purpose of assisting with health history intake and doctor’s exam. In all other cases, translation services such as ChatGPT or Google Translate should be utilized.
2. Power of Attorney – Individuals holding legal authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient may be permitted access.
3. Parent or Legal Guardian – A parent or guardian may be present for a minor child, preferably only during health history intake and doctors’ examinations; however, they may stay for the entirety of the appointment upon request.

Any individual permitted under these exceptions must be explicitly identified on the patient’s HIPAA documentation as having the right to access the patient's private health information. 

Additionally, due to space constraints within the operatories, extra persons beyond those explicitly authorized cannot be accommodated. The presence of unauthorized individuals poses potential risks to patient safety and compromises the ability of patients to discuss sensitive medical information with their dental providers. This policy is strictly enforced to ensure compliance with privacy regulations, maintain the integrity of patient care, and uphold a secure and efficient clinical environment.