Package Description

Contaminated air and surfaces can play a role in the spread of dangerous germs and antibiotic-resistant organisms in dental facilities. Ultraviolet C (UVC) disinfection technology is a promising solution for enhancing infection control. It uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA and RNA. When used as a supplemental disinfection technique, UVC technologies may help reduce environmental bioburden and resultant transmission of pathogens to staff and patients. UVC technology offers several advantages when used in addition to standard cleaning and disinfection protocols: it has demonstrated efficacy in reducing microbial populations and can be applied broadly and rapidly in unoccupied spaces. However, efficacy depends on various factors, including the intensity of the light, exposure time, distance from the source, and the presence of shielding materials such as soil. In addition, studies on patient outcomes or infection rates are of mixed success and strength of evidence. Clinical studies in dental environments are lacking. This webinar is designed for dental professionals, practice managers, and infection control specialists in dental facilities. Attendees will gain the basic understanding to assess the benefits and trade-offs of UVC technologies, and practical guidance for selecting and incorporating this technology into their practices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how ultraviolet (UVC) disinfection technologies work.
2. Identify the necessary workflow for UVC environmental disinfection.
3. Explain relative advantages and disadvantages of UVC disinfection in dental settings.

Price:

• Members & Non-Members: Free

Continuing Education

ADS, formerly known as OSAP, is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Please email the ADS office at [email protected] or call +1 (410) 571-0003 if you wish to be in contact with the course author/creator(s) with any questions or for clarification of course concepts or for technical assistance in completing the online test.

All participants assume individual responsibility for providing evidence of contact hours of continuing education to the appropriate authorities and for the maintenance of their individual records.

Learn more about our CE Program & Provider Recognition.

CE Credits: 1.0
Educational Method: Self-instructional (self-study)
Location: Online
Publication Date: June 2025 
Expiration Date: June 30, 2028

Speakers:

Hillary Hei, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, FAPIC

Hillary Hei, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, FAPIC is a certified Senior Infection Preventionist at ECRI and a designated Fellow of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). Hillary has experience across multiple settings, including pediatric acute care, outpatient pediatric hemodialysis, long-term care, and dentistry.

Hillary is an active member of APIC and served on the national Research Committee. As part of her tenure, she also served as the liaison for the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) and remains a current peer reviewer for the journal. She is currently the Director of Communications and an active part of the Membership Committee for her local Delaware Valley/Philadelphia APIC Chapter. Hillary has presented at local and national conferences and has multiple articles in peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, Hillary serves as an adjunct professor for the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health.

Hillary earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Duke University and her Master in Public Health in Epidemiology from Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health. Prior to joining the field of Infection Prevention and Control, Hillary conducted scientific research using in vitro and in vivo models and worked in a healthcare microbiology laboratory. She has been Certified in Infection Control (CIC) since 2017. She has also been certified in Lean/Six Sigma as a Green Belt (LSSGB) since 2019.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

Mairead Smith, BS

Mairead Smith is a Principal Project Engineer with ECRI – an independent, nonprofit organization focused on improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of healthcare. Since 2013, she has helped hospitals make informed purchasing decisions through hands-on laboratory testing of devices used in the healthcare environment, including laparoscopic and endoscopic video systems, cardiac technologies, and ultraviolet disinfection devices. As part of this testing, Mairead has worked closely with infection prevention experts at ECRI, as well as a microbiology lab, and more than ten UV device manufacturers. She has also facilitated testing at local hospitals to assess the effectiveness of UV disinfection implementation in the real world. To support ECRI's hospital members during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mairead and her colleagues developed recommendations for UV decontamination of N95 respirators. Prior to her work at ECRI, Mairead studied mechanical engineering at Bucknell University.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

Educational Funding Provided By: