Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards
Updated on Monday 24th of June 2024, 10:26:42 AM
The purpose of the Policy on Student Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards for the
DDS Program at Nucleus University School of Dentistry (NUSOD) is to safeguard the health and
safety of dental students. This policy establishes guidelines to prepare, prevent, and respond to
exposure incidents while ensuring compliance with CAAMHP accreditation standards.
Table of Content:
Principles
NUSOD recognizes the potential exposure of its faculty, staff, and students to infectious and
environmental hazards. This policy is founded on principles of preparedness and safety.
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Scope
This policy applies to all DDS students enrolled in the program, as well as faculty and staff at
NUSOD, irrespective of their location.
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Education and Training:
- NUSOD faculty shall provide comprehensive education and training to students on
methods to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases, including blood-borne
pathogens, aligning with CDC guidelines for standard and additional precautions.
- Basic science students shall receive instruction on infectious and environmental hazards,
prevention, and control, while clinical rotation students shall undergo training in
universal precautions and hazard techniques before beginning rotations.
- Clinical rotation students must annually complete Bloodborne Pathogen Certification.
- Students are encouraged to complete OSHA and infection control certifications through
approved providers.
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Prevention of Environmental Hazards:
- Students must take reasonable precautions to avoid environmental hazards and employ
universal precautions to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases.
- Any infectious or environmental hazards affecting students, faculty, or staff must be
promptly reported to the Deans.
- Universal precautions, including immunizations and standard safety practices, must be
followed to prevent blood-borne pathogen transmission and other infections.
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Exposure Protocol:
- Students must follow established protocols in case of exposure incidents, including needle
sticks or environmental exposures, and report incidents to supervising faculty and Deans
immediately.
- The exposure protocol includes steps such as wound care, reporting, and seeking
appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
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Reporting of Environmental Hazards:
- Medical students must disclose potential exposures to blood-borne pathogens and submit
incident reports to Clinical chairs, Deans, and the Executive Dean.
- Students in clinical rotations must adhere to hospital reporting requirements for exposure
incidents.
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Effects on Student Learning:
- Students whose learning activities are interrupted due to exposure incidents should notify
the Deans for appropriate accommodations and alternative educational activities.
- Students must maintain health and safety standards to participate in academic and clinical
activities.
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Financial Responsibility:
- Costs associated with investigations, prophylaxis, and treatment post-exposure shall be
covered by the student's health insurance or borne by the student.
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Administrative Responsibilities:
- The Deans and Executive Dean are responsible for overseeing the administration,
implementation, and evaluation of the policy, including the development of associated
procedures.
- The Handbook and By-laws Committee shall review and update the policy every three
years.
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Non-compliance:
- Instances of non-compliance should be reported to the Deans and Executive Dean for
appropriate action.
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