Dental Instrument Reprocessing and Operatory Preparation
Build essential, job‑ready skills in infection prevention, sterilization and operatory setup for today’s oral healthcare settings.
Overview: Dental infection prevention and control training
This Dental Instrument Reprocessing and Operatory Preparation microcredential provides foundational infection prevention and control training for individuals working in dental and oral healthcare settings. Learners gain essential knowledge of how infection develops and spreads in dental environments, and how proper instrument reprocessing and operatory preparation support safe, compliant patient care.
Through a combination of online learning and hands‑on practice, the course introduces best practices for dental instrument disinfection, sterilization processes and operatory setup for both clinical and laboratory procedures. Instruction is aligned with Provincial standards and current infection control expectations in oral healthcare settings.
This training supports continuing professional development for dental teams navigating evolving infection prevention regulations and workplace requirements.
Who this microcredential is for
Designed for individuals currently working in a dental office or oral healthcare setting, including:
- Dental assistants who are not recent graduates and wish to update or refresh their infection control skills
- Dental support staff responsible for instrument reprocessing and operatory preparation
- Oral healthcare professionals seeking upskilling in response to evolving infection prevention and control standards
It is particularly relevant for those involved in clinical support, sterilization workflows, and operatory readiness.
What you’ll learn
By the end of this microcredential, learners will be able to:
- Describe how infection develops and spreads in oral healthcare environments
- Perform environmental surface and equipment disinfection for clinical and laboratory procedures
- Explain the principles, scope and application of sterilization used in dental settings
Learners will apply this knowledge through practical activities that reflect real‑world dental office workflows and Provincial requirements.
Course details and schedule
Dates: May 18 – June 7, 2026
Delivery mode: Hybrid (online and in person)
Schedule:
- The online asynchronous portion opens May 18, 2026
- Online learning must be completed before attending the in-person sessions
- In‑person sessions:
- Saturday, June 6, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday, June 7, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Online / IT Campus
Cost: $1,786.38 (HST included)
Required supplies: Access to a computer, CSA approved safety glasses, clinic shoes (closed-toe solid shoe), scrubs (pants and top with no clinic logos / identifiers) and a wipeable 1-inch binder for a clinic manual.
Admission requirements
- Nova Scotia Occupational Health & Safety training and WHMIS certification.
- For non–dental assistants: current employment in a dental office or other oral healthcare setting.
Registration
For questions or additional information, email .