Course Overview
This course is designed for individuals working in dental and community health-care settings who want to specialize in infection prevention and control, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for safe patient care through rigorous infection prevention practices, precise reprocessing protocols, and strict adherence to sterilization guidelines.
This course is meant for those looking to get into the oral health and occupational safety workforce or for practicing professionals looking to refresh their knowledge.
Course Goals
This course aims to equip those looking to get into the oral health and occupational safety workforce with the essential competencies to safely and perform effectively sterilization, disinfection, and reprocessing tasks within clinical and healthcare settings
- Equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills in sterilization processes and reprocessing of medical devices in accordance with industry standards.
- Develop the capacity to ensure safe, reliable, and effective sterilization procedures within healthcare environments.
- Apply evidence-based practices and regulatory guidelines to optimize infection prevention and control measures in the handling and reprocessing of medical devices.
Course Schedule
The online modules are organized into weekly segments to serve as a general guide for self-paced study. Students are encouraged to follow this weekly progression to maintain a balanced learning pace. Required activities and assessments include completing all coursework and quizzes by the end of Week 4, passing the Sterilization Exam, and attending the practicum placements.
| Week | Topics | Format | Activities & Assessments |
| 1 |
Module 1: Infection Prevention & Control, Occupational Health & Safety |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Materials & Quizzes |
| 2 |
Module 2: Cleaning & Disinfection |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Materials & Quizzes |
| 3 |
Module 3: Inspection, Assembly & Packaging of Devices |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Materials & Quizzes |
| 4 |
Module 4: Steam Sterilization |
Online (Asynchronous) | Assigned Materials & Quizzes |
|
Final Sterilization Exam |
In-Person or Proctor | *Minimum Pass Needed to Advance to Practicum Placement is 70% | |
|
Kaye Edmonton Clinic: Practicum Placement |
In-Person; 2 Days *8 hours each day | Competency-based evaluation, checklist, and feedback | |
|
Host Private Dental Practice: Practice Placement |
In-Person; 2 Days *8 hours each day |
Competency-based evaluation, checklist, and feedback |
Course Requirements for Completion
- Online Coursework: Complete all online modules, readings and quizzes within the first 4 weeks. Please allocate 2-4 hours of study for each module.
- Final Sterilization Exam: Successful completion final exam. The exam made up of 70 multiple choice questions. Students have one hour to complete the exam. Option to write the exam in person or by proctor.
- Practicum Placement: Attend 2 Days at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic Sterilization Unit and 2 Days of Private Dental Practice. Competency-based evaluation, checklist, and feedback will be given.
Policies
- If the online coursework is not completed within the 4-week timeframe, students may register for a one-month extension, available up to two times before re-registering for the course.
- Failure to attend the scheduled exam or achieve a passing mark (70% or higher) will require payment of a supplemental exam registration fee, with the exam rescheduled to the next exam month.
- If the student does not successfully pass the supplemental exam, the student will be automatically withdrawn from the course without a refund.
- There is absolutely no refund after eClass access to course materials.
- Adherence to the University’s code of conduct is mandatory during practicum placements.
Important Considerations
Please note that sterilization assisting involves long hours of standing and walking. You should also be able to comfortably lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs.
Questions?
Contact us at dentce@ualberta.ca or 780-492-1894 for any questions or concerns.