PPE and Infection Control for Temping Shifts

Compliance Requirement

All dental offices using TempStars for booking temping shifts must confirm and maintain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Infection Control protocols that meet or exceed the guidelines set by their respective provincial/state and federal authorities.

Compliance Standards Video 

Profession-Specific Guidelines

a) For hygienist temping shifts: Offices must adhere to the stricter of either the dental or hygiene regulatory body guidelines.

b) For dental assistant temping shifts: Offices must follow the guidelines set by the provincial/state dental regulatory body.

Canada
RCDSO infection Control guidelines
CDHO IPAC and infection control
USA
CDC
ADA Infection control and sterilizing
ADHA REsources

Typical PPE Requirements:

Dental offices are expected to provide adequate and compliant PPE, including:

• Gloves in multiple sizes
• Masks in multiple sizes
• Goggles/protective eyewear
• Protective jackets/gowns
  
  Infection Control Standards:
• Offices must maintain:
• Up-to-date infection control systems
• Functional sterilization equipment and proper barriers
• Regular equipment maintenance (autoclaves, waterlines, suction systems)
• Clutter-free, easily sterilized environments
• Compliance with provincial/state infection control guidelines

What This Means for Hygienists:

• Talent (hygienists and assistants) are expected to wear clean, professional scrubs and closed-toe shoes with hair tied back
• Offices provide the PPE - this is not the responsibility of the Talent
• All PPE and infection control protocols must meet provincial (Canada) or state (US) regulatory standards

Verification and Agreement

Before posting a shift or accepting an offer, dental offices must:

a) Verify their compliance with the applicable guidelines.

b) Agree to the terms of this policy.

 

On-Site Non-Compliance

If a dental professional (hygienist or assistant) arrives for a temping shift and finds that the office's PPE or Infection Control protocols do not meet the required guidelines:

a) The professional has the right to leave the shift. With that said, they should first talk to the office manager or dentist to discuss their concerns and clear up any potential misunderstandings. 

b) The dental office is obligated to compensate the professional for the entire scheduled shift duration if the issue(s) are not rectified.

 

Reporting and Resolution

a) Dental professionals are encouraged to notify TempStars immediately about any non-compliance issues.

b) TempStars reserves the right to investigate reported non-compliance and take appropriate action, including but not limited to temporary or permanent suspension of the office's account.

 

Regular Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure alignment with current health and safety standards and regulations.

 

Acknowledgment

By using TempStars, all parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by this policy.