2026 Catalog: General Courses

This is based upon the tip of the week e-mail sent out by DOH the week of March 24th, 2026. To gain CDE credit, participants must successfully pass a test [score 80] based upon the reading material.

Reading Materials:
Biological Indicator [BI] Incubation Checklist
Preparation
•    Review manufacturer’s instructions for the specific BI and sterilizer.
•    Gather necessary materials: processed BI, unprocessed control BI [from same lot], incubator, sterile gloves, and documentation log.
Handling and Placement
•   Handle BIs aseptically to avoid contamination.
•    Place the processed BI [from sterilized load] into the incubator.
•   Place the unprocessed control BI into the incubator at the same time.
Incubation
•    Set incubator to the correct temperature:
o   55°C–60°C [131°F–140°F] for Geobacillus stearothermophilus [steam, chemical vapor, hydrogen peroxide sterilization]
o   37°C [98.6°F] for Bacillus atrophaeus [dry heat, ethylene oxide sterilization]
•   Incubate for the recommended time [per manufacturer’s instructions; may range from 10 hours to 7 days].
Observation and Reading
•    At the specified time intervals, check both the test and control BIs for:
o   Cloudiness or color change in the growth medium [indicates positive result/growth]
o   No change [indicates negative result/no growth]
•    Confirm that the control BI shows positive growth [proves spores were viable].
•    Confirm that the processed BI shows no growth [indicates successful sterilization].
Documentation
•    Record all results in the sterilization monitoring log, including:
o   Date and time of incubation
o   Type and lot number of BI
o   Results for both test and control BIs
o   Any observations or deviations
Troubleshooting [if needed]
•   If the processed BI shows growth [positive result], do not use instruments from that load.
•   Review sterilizer operation, packaging, and loading procedures.
•   Repeat the BI test as needed and follow protocol for sterilization failures.




https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/media/pdfs/guideline-disinfection-h.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/dental-ipc-faqs/dental-sterilization.html
https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-sterilization/efficacy-factors.html

Upon reviewing the NIPCS Tip of the week, you will:
1. Understand the difference between sterilizers
2. Know the importance of following IFUs
3. Understand key considerations for sterilizing and running a BI

Damon Pope — Deputy Project Manager for the IHS Electronic Dental Record IHS DOH National Infection Control Consultant For follow-up questions, please contact the speaker at damon.pope@ihs.gov.

The speaker has no conflicts of interest to report.

It is the policy of the Indian Health Service, Division of Oral Health, that faculty/planners disclose any financial or other relationships with commercial companies whose products may be discussed in the educational activity. The Indian Health Service, Division of Oral Health, also requires that faculty disclose any unlabeled or investigative use of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Images that have been falsified or manipulated to misrepresent treatment outcomes are prohibited.

None of the faculty/planners for this activity has a conflict of interest, and there is no use of unlabeled or investigative pharmaceutical products or medical devices. No images have been falsified or manipulated to misrepresent treatment outcomes.The educational objectives, content, and selection of educational methods and instructors are conducted independent of any commercial entity.

The IHS Division of Oral Health is an accredited sponsor of continuing education under the American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP). 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 IHS at IHS CDE Coordinator or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org

Please Make Checks Payable to: Indian Health Service.

Tuition must be paid in full 8 weeks prior to the start date of any course. Request for refunds must be received in writing at least two weeks before the course begins. For each refund request, there will be an administrative charge of $100. No refunds will be made to registrants who fail to attend a course. If IHS CDE program cancels a course, then 100% of the tuition will be refunded.