Second OSAP/Federal Services Course a Success

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -The reviews are in, and they're glowing. Sponsored by the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) and the Department of Defense, the Veterans Administration, and the U.S. Public Health Service, the 2003 OSAP-Federal Services Intermediate-Level Course on Occupational Health and Safety was held January 27-31 in Atlanta. Speakers representing governmental agencies, academia and the private sector stripped away the complexities of disease transmission, hand hygiene, instrument processing, safety devices, waterline management, and more, teaching more than 120 military and private dental workers everything they need to know to comply with regulations and recommendations for infection control in dentistry.

Geared toward federal dental services personnel and civilian clinicians with responsibilities in infection control and occupational health/safety, the program reviewed the basics of dental infection control and safety principles and provided attendees with the latest information on implementing and managing a dental infection control and safety program. Combining hands-on courses with lectures and discussions, the scientific program emphasized infectious diseases and occupational risks associated with dentistry. Particularly suited for infection control and safety trainers (for example, infection control managers and consultants), the course also taught training methods that encourage appropriate behavioral changes.

"The material, organization, and instructors exceeded my expectations," said Col. Terrence Murphy (U.S. Army). "I learned an incredible amount."*

Dr. Rudolph Mills (VA) agreed, noting, "The course was very timely ... I learned and relearned a lot."*

Planning for next year is already underway, as speakers and topics are currently being confirmed. The program, condensed into a four-day schedule, will run January 27-30 at the Sheraton Colony Square Hotel in Atlanta. Registration details will be published in late summer 2003. Check the OSAP website (www.osap.org) for updates.

*Opinions expressed by U.S. military personnel are their own should not be considered official policy/position of the U.S. Department of Defense or other departments of the U.S. government.

OSAP is the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures. Founded in 1985, the non-profit association is dentistry's premier resource for infection control and safety information. Through its publications, courses, website, and worldwide collaborations, OSAP and the tax-exempt OSAP Foundation support education, research, service, and policy development to promote safety and the control of infectious diseases in dental healthcare settings worldwide. For more information on OSAP activities, visit www.osap.org.