Biofilm Control in Dental Suction and Handpieces

CE-DENT-BIOF-V1.0
AGD Subject Code: 148 - Infection Control

Course Description

This course develops the knowledge and skills needed to understand, prevent, and manage biofilm contamination in dental handpiece and suction systems. It integrates microbiological, engineering, and infection prevention principles to support safer reprocessing, stronger maintenance practices, and better equipment performance. The course is designed to help dental teams reduce contamination risks while improving safety, compliance, and workflow reliability.

Prerequisites / required prior knowledge

  • None required
  • Intended audience: Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, reprocessing staff, practice managers, and others involved in handpiece maintenance, suction-system cleaning, or operatory infection prevention.
  • Recommended: Familiarity with dental operatory workflow, device reprocessing, and routine infection prevention practices in dental settings.

Delivery

Online
Self‑Instruction (Asynchronous)

Credit

1.0 continuing education hour (Self‑Instruction)

Cost

$149 CAD

Availability window

Available on demand  Access for 1 year after enrollment
Meet the instructor

Kamyab Ghatan

MD, AL-CIP™, CIC®, LTC-CIP®, DISIPC, CDIPC
Dr. Kamyab Ghatan is a medical doctor and infection prevention leader who develops practical, standards-based training for diverse environments, including acute and long-term care, ambulatory and dental clinics, veterinary practices, and construction/renovation settings. His work spans infection prevention, surveillance, water management, sterile processing, and implementation science, with a focus on translating standards into workflows teams can actually use. Dr. Ghatan is the founder of the International College of Infection Control Professionals (ICICP).

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the microbial ecology and contamination pathways unique to dental handpiece and suction systems, distinguishing them from dental unit waterline biofilms.
  • Explain how fluid dynamics, backflow, and device engineering features influence biofilm formation and persistence.
  • Apply evidence-based cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization workflows for dental handpieces and suction systems according to manufacturer instructions for use and infection control standards.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of reprocessing using verification tools such as ATP or protein residue tests, suction flow assessments, and biological indicators.
  • Integrate occupational safety and aerosol control principles into routine and maintenance procedures to mitigate exposure risks.

Completion requirements:

Learners receive credit after viewing all required content, passing the post‑test/final assessment with a minimum score of 80% (up to three attempts), and submitting the course evaluation. If a learner does not achieve 80% within three attempts, they must re-do the course (re-complete required content) within their access period before attempting the assessment again. Upon successful completion, learners may download a certificate of completion.
Provider: International College of Infection Control Professionals (ICICP)
Learner Support: support@icicp.com

Frequently asked questions

Disclosures (conflict of interest / proprietary interest)

The instructor(s) and planners report no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies related to this educational activity.

Commercial support

None. This activity received no commercial support.

Non‑vocational licensing disclosure

This course/program does not require approval under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Content independence statement

Educational content is non‑promotional and designed to be independent of commercial influence; any trade names used are for identification only, and alternatives may be discussed.