IPAC Training for Dental Offices – Are You Fully Prepared?

STERILWIZE TEAM (PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2025)

In today’s dental environment, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) is non-negotiable. With patients more aware of hygiene standards than ever and regulators tightening oversight, dental offices must ask an important question: does our team have a structured IPAC training program?

For Canadian dental practices, a simple on-the-job training approach is no longer sufficient. A formalized IPAC training regimen enhances patient safety, fulfills regulatory expectations, and allows clinics to operate with confidence and peace of mind.

In this article, we break down what IPAC training means, why it matters, how to structure it in your office, and best practices to remain compliant across Canada—including specific considerations for Ontario.

What is IPAC Training?

IPAC stands for Infection Prevention and Control. IPAC training refers to the formal process of educating both clinical and non-clinical staff on essential infection-control principles and procedures within a dental setting.

• The chain of infection and how it applies in dental environments
• Routine practices such as hand hygiene, PPE usage, and cleaning/disinfection
• Instrument reprocessing and sterilization workflows
• Additional precautions for suspected or confirmed infections
• The role of the IPAC officer or lead within the clinic

In Canada, provinces such as Ontario require dental clinics to provide ongoing IPAC education, including baseline training upon hire and annual refresher training for all staff.

Why IPAC Training Matters for Dental Offices

Patient Safety & Trust

Every instrument, operatory, and staff member plays a role in infection prevention. Comprehensive training ensures everyone understands their responsibilities.

Regulatory Compliance

Dental regulatory bodies such as the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) expect documented IPAC training, competency assessments, and retained records. Failure to comply may lead to inspections, complaints, or sanctions.

Staff Confidence & Consistency

Ad-hoc training often leads to inconsistent practices. Standardized IPAC training ensures all staff follow the same protocols.

Operational Efficiency

Well-trained teams experience fewer errors, less rework, and more time focused on patient care.

Audit & Documentation Readiness

When inspections or complaints arise, having clear training logs and assessments strengthens your clinic’s compliance position.

Key Elements of an Effective IPAC Training Program

Baseline Training on Hire

All new clinical and non-clinical staff should complete structured IPAC training before performing independent duties.

Annual Refresher Training

At minimum, staff should review IPAC principles annually through online modules or in-office training sessions.

Competency Assessments

Beyond theory, clinics should assess real-world application—such as instrument reprocessing, PPE use, and cleaning workflows.

Documented Logs & Records

Training dates, attendance, assessment results, and next-due dates must be accurately recorded and retained.

Designated IPAC Lead or Officer

Many practices appoint an IPAC lead responsible for monitoring compliance, conducting audits, and serving as the infection-control point person.

Continuous Improvement

IPAC training should evolve with updated guidelines, incident reviews, drills, and workflow refinements.

How to Structure IPAC Training in Your Dental Practice

Choose or Build Evidence-Based Content

Use credible, evidence-based modules—online or in person—that address all aspects of dental IPAC requirements.

Schedule & Track Training

Assign training at onboarding and annually thereafter. Use spreadsheets or training software to track completion.

Include Hands-On Components

Observe staff performing sterilization and cleaning tasks, provide feedback, and reinforce correct practices.

Audit & Review Regularly

The IPAC lead should audit compliance activities and use findings to improve training and procedures.

Engage Staff with Real Scenarios

Make training relevant by addressing real clinic events such as sterilizer failures, recalls, or new equipment.

Link Training to Clinic SOPs

Ensure training aligns directly with your clinic’s standard operating procedures and policy manuals.

FAQs

Q1: How often should IPAC training be completed?

Baseline training on hire and annual refreshers are required. Additional training may be necessary after incidents or guideline updates.

Q2: Do non-clinical staff need IPAC training?

Yes. Reception and administrative staff must understand basic IPAC concepts, including hand hygiene, exposure protocols, and patient screening.

Q3: What topics should IPAC training cover?

Core topics include hand hygiene, PPE usage, instrument reprocessing, environmental cleaning, screening, outbreak management, and documentation.

Q4: Can IPAC training be fully online?

Yes, provided competency verification is included. Hands-on reinforcement within the clinic is still recommended.

Q5: What if IPAC training is undocumented?

Lack of documentation can raise compliance concerns during inspections, increase infection-control risks, and impact legal liability.

Conclusion

A robust IPAC training program is not just a regulatory requirement—it is essential for patient safety, staff confidence, and clinical excellence.

If your current training system feels fragmented or outdated, now is the time to act. Establish structured training, assign an IPAC lead, track competency, and continuously update protocols.

Ready to elevate your IPAC training and compliance? Discover how SterilWize supports dental clinics with expert IPAC training modules and documentation tools.