Pathogen Patrol – February 2025

A well-crafted IPAC policy manual serves as the cornerstone of any dental practice’s commitment to safety and compliance. It provides clear guidelines for staff, ensuring that everyone follows the same rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and Public Health Ontario. These policies cover crucial aspects like proper hand hygiene, medical device reprocessing, and environmental cleaning protocols. 

The consequences of not having clear IPAC policies can be severe. 
 
In a recent case, a dental office in Toronto, Ontario, faced a public health crisis when it was discovered that patients may have been exposed to improperly sterilized instruments due to a staff miscommunication.  This led to a recommendation for all patients to undergo testing for serious bloodborne infections and scrutiny from Toronto Public Health. 

Such incidents not only jeopardize patient health but also damage the reputation of your practice and can result in legal repercussions. 

When you partner with us, we significantly ease the burden of creating and maintaining these critical policies. Our team of IPAC Consultants ensures that your practice stays up-to-date with the latest guidelines, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with Ministry of Labour (MLITSD) and college (RCDSO) inspections. With our professionally developed policy manual, dental practices and dentist-owners can confidently navigate regulatory inspections, knowing they have done their due diligence. 

Remember, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to compliance. By investing in a comprehensive IPAC policy manual, dental practices can avoid potential costly shutdowns, and reputational damage. More importantly, it provides peace of mind, knowing that your practice is doing everything possible to protect your patients and staff. 

A robust IPAC policy manual not only ensures compliance with regulatory standards but also demonstrates your commitment to excellence in patient care.  

With the support of IPAC Consulting, our dental clients can confidently face inspections and focus on what they do best—providing top-quality dental care to their patients.