Guidelines vs. Standards in Dental IPAC: Does the Difference Matter?

In the world of dental infection prevention and control (IPAC), the terms *guidelines* and *standards* are often used as if they mean the same thing. But should they be? And more importantly … does it matter?

Yes, it matters. A lot.

What's the Difference?

Standards are formal, enforceable requirements set by regulatory bodies. They are the minimum expectations for safe and ethical practice. Meeting these standards is not optional—they are legally binding, and failing to comply can lead to professional consequences, including disciplinary action or loss of license.

Guidelines, on the other hand, are recommendations. They are typically developed by public health agencies, expert panels, or research organizations. While not enforceable on their own, guidelines represent current best practices and offer direction on how to implement standards effectively and safely.

Why Are They Confused?

It's understandable why dental professionals often mix the two up. Guidelines are frequently referenced within regulatory documents, and sometimes even adopted into enforceable expectations. However, not every guideline becomes a standard, and not every standard provides the how-to detail that guidelines often include.

This blurring of lines can create confusion in the operatory and the sterilization bay alike.

Why This Distinction Matters

If dental teams treat all guidelines as law, or worse, assume all standards are just suggestions, several risks emerge:

  1. Misplaced effort: Some clinics may go overboard on optional practices while missing mandatory ones.
  2. Audit vulnerability: Inconsistent interpretation can lead to failed inspections or non-compliance with professional obligations.
  3. Team confusion: When expectations aren't clear, staff may implement practices inconsistently or ineffectively.

A Practical Example

Take instrument reprocessing:

  • A standard might require all reusable semi-critical instruments to be sterilized between clients.
  • A guideline may recommend daily biological testing of sterilizers as a best practice.

If a regulatory body adopts that guideline into its standard expectations, it becomes enforceable. But unless a dental team is paying close attention, they may miss that shift, and either under- or over-apply protocols as a result.

What Should You Do?

  • Understand your regulatory standards: These are the mandatory, enforceable rules of practice.
  • Follow guidelines for excellence: They help ensure your IPAC protocols reflect best practices—even if they're not yet enforceable.
  • Ask when unsure: If it's unclear whether something is a “must” or a “should,” seek clarification from your regulatory body or an IPAC consultant.
  • Educate your team: Everyone from the front desk to the sterilization bay should know the difference between standards and guidelines.

Final Thought

In IPAC, clarity is critical. The difference between guidelines and standards isn't just academic, it shapes how care is delivered, how safety is ensured, and how compliance is maintained. As dental professionals, understanding the distinction is not just helpful, it's essential.

Michelle Aubé (Simmonds) RDH, maxill Dental Hygiene Educator

Michelle is a Dental Hygiene Speaker, Consultant and Educator with over 30 years of experience as a RDH and 4 years as a CDA. She is a professor and curriculum writer at Fanshawe College in both the dental hygiene and continuing education program sharing her knowledge in IPAC, professional practice, periodontal classification, social justice, advocacy and clinical applications. She is maxill's CE and IPAC Director and wears various IPAC hats including auditing federal correctional facilities dental clinics for IPAC standards. Michelle is ODHA's Regional Board Director and authors articles for CDHA's OH Canada professional publication and continues to practice clinically in London ON. She is a CDHO IPAC Remedial Facilitator and IPAC Expert Opinion. Her strong ethics has allowed her to serve on the Discipline Committee at Algonquin College and hold the position of a CDHO Quality Assurance Assessor for 7 years. As a lifelong learner she is completing a BA in Adult Education at Brock University. Her diverse dental background and current status as a practicing RDH offer a fulsome and realistic view of dental-related topics. As a passionate champion for the profession, she advocates for equity, professional autonomy, and systemic change, true grassroots leadership at its finest.

Michelle can be reached at [email protected]