The Compliance Divas Podcast

 If dental instruments aren't thoroughly cleaned, they can't be properly sterilized. In this episode, Mary and Linda discuss why effective instrument cleaning is essential for successful sterilization and share best practices to ensure your instruments are truly clean and ready for safe use. Resources:CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - section on Cleaning: https://bit.ly/49gllznHuFriedy Group - 6 Critical Steps for Cleaning and Protecting Your Dental Instruments https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/blog/6-critical-steps-cleaning-and-protecting-your-dental-instrumentsAmerican Dental Association (ADA) Caring for Dental Instruments https://jada.ada.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-8177%2821%2900785-6 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Compliance training doesn't have to be dull—and today, we're proving it. In this episode, the Divas dive into creative engagement strategies like games, quizzes, and challenges, and explore which ones actually move the needle on retention and behavior. If you've ever wondered whether fun equals effective in compliance education, this podcast is for you!CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Settings--2003. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5217.pdfFree crossword maker: https://crosswordlabs.com/Free word search maker: https://easywordsearchmaker.com/create https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Join the Divas as they spotlight the latest CDC guidance and clinical insights on TB shaping infection control today. This episode breaks down what every dental professional needs to know to stay compliant, safe, and prepared. Walk away with the five top things you need to know along with current updates on TB.CDC Updates on TB: https://www.cdc.gov/tb-data/index.htmlTB statistics and outbreaks: https://www.cdc.gov/tb-data/2024-provisional/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Divas wrap up Dental Infection Control Awareness Month with a powerful conversation with two experts from Parkell Dental.  This episode focuses on water quality and biofilm contamination in ultrasonic scalers. Learn about the difference between scaler waterlines and other dental waterlines, and how to conquer the biofilm challenge with Pure Clarity.Resources:Dimensions of Dental Hygiene: Are Ultrasonic Aerosols an Infection Control Risk? https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/are-ultrasonic-aerosols-an-infection-control-risk/MDPI - Pathogens:  Legionella spp. in a Dental Office - Current State of Knowledge https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12196102/pdf/pathogens-14-00512.pdfCDC Guidelines for Dental Unit Waterlines https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/dental-unit-water-quality.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

It has been widely reported that support and updates for the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system will end on Oct. 14, 2025.  In this episode, the Divas discuss what this means for dental practices that use Windows operating systems, and how HIPAA security compliance requires covered entities to use the most up-to-date software with security updates. Learn how your practice may be effected by this change.Resources:Microsoft Support - Windows 10 support ends on Oct. 14, 2025  https://bit.ly/46ibZBpMicrosoft - Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025  https://bit.ly/3VvctOsMicrosoft Windows Blog - How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today  https://bit.ly/4292kuB https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Bryan Laskin joins the Divas to spotlight the overlooked "P" in HIPAA—Portability—and why it's critical for dental practices. Tune in as Dr. Laskin shares the challenges of data interoperability, the impact on patient trust, and the urgent need for seamless access to health records across systems. Dr. Laskin's LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlaskin/Dr. Laskin's Dr. Biscuspid podcast on "The P in HIPAA". https://www.drbicuspid.com/podcasts/article/15745810/dentistry-isnt-talking-about-the-p-in-hipaaUnfair Care by Dr. Laskin: https://unfaircare.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This episode is a must listen for every member of the entire dental team! The Diva's special guest, Dr. Marie Fluent, explains the development of the concept of antibiotic stewardship in dentistry, how antibiotic resistance develops, the importance of the 2019 ADA guidelines for Dental Pain and Swelling, and the new CDC checklist for prescribing antibiotics in dentistry.  Dr. Fluent presents strategies to ensure that the entire team can effectively and cohesively communicate with patients regarding the risks and benefits of antibiotics to treat dental infections.Resources:Association for Dental Safety - Antibiotic Stewardship for Prescribers - Resources  https://bit.ly/3I2W2WwAmerican Dental Association - Antibiotics for Dental Pain and Swelling Guideline (2019) https://bit.ly/4mZfliE CDC Checklist for Antibiotic Prescribing in Dentistry https://bit.ly/4no0UVbAmerican Dental Association - Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures https://bit.ly/41MasB3 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is managing dental unit waterlines in your practice still a puzzle?  In this episode, the Divas discuss how to better understand your water test results by having confidence in your water quality rather than guessing.Resources:CDC - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/3UR3ua5Agenics Labs Water Testing Resources for Dentistry   https://www.agenics.net/resourcesAgenics Labs Special DICAM Give-away   https://www.agenics.net/compliancedivasAgenics Labs STAT: https://www.agenics.net/s/STAT-Response-GP30040.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Did you know that evaluating safer sharps devices is require as part of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training?   The Divas provide information on what you must include in training, along with the what, why and how of engineering controls and engineered Sharps Injury Protections (ESIP).Resources:Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act https://bit.ly/4mt3PfbHealthcare Purchasing News - Two Decades Later, Are We Safer? Revisiting Sharps Injury Prevention in U.S. Healthcare  https://bit.ly/47PvEd4CDC Workbook for Designing, Implementing & Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program  https://bit.ly/4mYzcxXAnnual Needlestick and Sharps Injury Evaluation form   https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resourcesCDC Sharps Evaluation Worksheet   https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resourcesExamples of Sharps Safety Devices for Dentistry    https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resources https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Divas take a deep dive into the attitudes, stigmas and facts surrounding the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.  This compelling discussion includes historical as well as current information about providing oral health care to this very deserving group of patients.Resources:Williams Institute Study on HIV Discrimination in Dental Care   https://bit.ly/45nO1UZCDC Stop HIV https://bit.ly/4fEzdomCDC - Undetectable = Untransmittable https://bit.ly/3HhTZxxNIH - Attitudes and Practices of Dentists Treating HIV+ Patients in the Era of New Antiretroviral Therapy: A 12-year Update https://bit.ly/4lD7dTACDC MMWR Notes from the Field:  Occupationally Acquired HIV Infection Among Health Care Workers - United States, 1985-2013   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6353a4.htmHIVDENT https://www.hivdent.org/Movie - And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic  Available on most streaming services https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

If your dental office places or removes amalgam and discharges wastewater to a municipal sewage system, you are required to have an amalgam separator that meets EPA standards, follow best management practices, and comply with reporting requirements. Learn what is required, how to comply, and a potential alternative to traditional amalgam separators, with special guest, Charles McCary from Dove Dental.Resources:EPA FAQs on Amalgam Waste https://bit.ly/3HfjiQzADA Best Management Practices for Amalgam https://bit.ly/3UELVtsDove Dental http://www.dovedentalproducts.com/Capt-all from Dove Dental http://www.dovedentalproducts.com/collections/capt-all-handheld-amalgam-capture-device https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Personal protective equipment, otherwise known as PPE, is a critical element of workplace safety in dentistry.   In this episode, the Divas discuss OSHA's PPE requirements and some common errors that dental teams make with regard to PPE.Resources:OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://bit.ly/3S8a5yJOSHA Hazard Communication Standard  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-20/pdf/2024-08568.pdfOSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards   https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment/standards https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, Ashley Quackenbush shares insights about Ask ADS, the latest feature from the Association of Dental Safety. This newly launched AI tool answers your toughest questions about dental compliance and clinical best practices. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large DSO, Ask ADS makes staying compliant refreshingly accessible.Ask ADS: https://www.myads.org/ask-ads-ADS Compliance Divas membership discount on 1st year membership: Divas50 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Infection control breaches can lead to serious consequences including disciplinary action or lawsuits. In this episode, the Divas share actual cases in dental practices that involved regulatory action. Leverage these lessons learned to protect your patients, your practice, and your license.Resources:CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings - 2003  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdfCDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings - 2016   https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.htmlOSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Compliance Divas recently attended the annual conference of the Association for Dental Safety and share their insights and take-aways from the meeting presentations.   The Divas also have a special promotion for ADS membership - see below.Resources:ADS membership application - https://www.myads.org/membership-application  Use code DIVAS50.Association for Dental Safety - https://www.myads.org https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Email encryption ensures that only authorized individuals have access to patient information and it's required under the HIPAA Security Rule. Having the right program makes it easier to be compliant and protect your patients' sensitive information. In this episode, the Divas provide tips for evaluating your current email encryption program.HIPAA Security Rule updates: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.htmlHolland and Hart Law article: https://www.hollandhart.com/hipaa-emails-texts https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Join the DIVAS and Holly Weaver from Midmark for an in-depth discussion of the new Midmark M-9 and M-11 sterilizers.  Dental teams will want to know how these innovations and new features can elevate the instrument sterilization process, trouble-shooting errors and recordkeeping for risk management.Resources:Midmark Corporation https://www.midmark.com/dental/products/instrument-processing/steam-sterilizers   CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2024  https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-and-sterilization/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The states of WA and GA have implemented rules within the state dental boards for maintaining and testing dental unit water quality.  Join the Divas as they discuss this regulatory activity, and why it is so important for patient safety.  Our special guest is Chanda Chatham, Director of Education for Solmetex, our sustaining sponsor.Resources:WA State Legislature - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/3DYCWyPGeorgia Dental Association Notice of Attempt to Adopt a Rule - https://bit.ly/4l7pUzzSolmetex - State of GA Requirements https://bit.ly/3FS5bzN Sterisil Water Products  https://solmetex.com/  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

 Spring and summer usher in mosquito season, bringing an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Recently, the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) issued a warning about Dengue virus in the U.S. The Divas delve into its transmission, symptoms, and ways to prevent exposure. Resources:CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus Infections  https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00523.htmlCDC - About Dengue  https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/CDC - Travelers' Health  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelAmerican Medical Association (AMA) How to Stay Healthy when Traveling   https://bit.ly/43VwNhi https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Since 2002, Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) aims to promote patient safety throughout healthcare. This week the Divas share four key patient safety strategies for every practice and the three "A's" of patient safety and more.Resources:Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) - https://bit.ly/4icWtdLIHI - Patient Safety Essential Tool Kit - https://bit.ly/429jmZPUniversity of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry - health history forms in multiple languages -  https://bit.ly/45Yd0g5 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Love them or hate them, utility gloves are a critical part of PPE requirements in dentistry.  In this episode, the divas will discuss which OSHA standards require the use of utility gloves, and what the CDC guidelines recommend.  We will also include tips for disinfection and storage for the gloves after use.Resources:OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://bit.ly/41ZOI4YOSHA Hazard Communication Standard https://bit.ly/41La1WzOSHA PPE Standard - Hand Protection https://bit.ly/4iF2YpkCDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf  https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Celebrating dental assistants is very special because assistants play a crucial role in ensuring patients' oral health, comfort and safety. Recognizing their hard work and dedication shines a light on the vital contributions they make to dentistry. Join the Divas as they celebrate Sarah Stream, MPH, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA.Resources:Dental Assisting National Board https://danb.orgThe Dale Foundation  https://www.dalefoundation.org/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Proper surface disinfection is an important component of patient safety and minimizing disease transmission in dental settings. Not only is it discussed in the CDC Guidelines, it's also required under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Listen in and ensure your products and processes are up to date.Resources:CDC - Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings - 2003 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdfCDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2020  https://bit.ly/4gXbcYDEPA - Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants  https://bit.ly/4bjoYDCEPA's Registered Antimicrobial Products Effective Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) [List B]  https://bit.ly/43dIDmK https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode the Compliance Divas discuss the most recent outbreak of Measles in TX.   The cases continue to grow in numbers, and dental teams could be at risk of infection.   Learn about the signs and symptoms of this highly contagious respiratory illness, the serious complications from measles infections, especially to pregnant women and what we can do to stay informed about outbreaks, keep our patients and team members safe.Resources:Texas Dept. of State Health Services - Measles Outbreak Feb. 18, 2025 https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news-alerts/measles-outbreak-feb-18-2025 CDC - Measles Cases and Outbreaks - https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.htmlCDC - Measles (Rubeola)  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.htmlCDC - About Measles  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.htmlCDC MMWR Feb. 15, 2020 - Measles Outbreak - California 2014-2015 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6406a5.htm https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Patient safety is the cornerstone of excellence in dentistry. Ensuring that every procedure is conducted with the utmost care to prevent patient is our #1 goal during each patient visit. Today the Divas will share some patient safety hacks that we hope you'll find useful for your practice. Resources:  The Oklahoman Sept. 18, 2013 - OK says hepatitis C was spread at dental clinic  https://bit.ly/4hsbCY9Law & Crime - Dec. 12, 2024, Multi-tasking for profit: Family sues oral surgeon after teen son dies during routing wisdom tooth procedure  https://bit.ly/3QgRaNTKIRO News 7 Nov. 3, 2023 - Piercy County dentist suspended after patient dies allegedly from procedure https://bit.ly/43dIVdpMedPro Group June 4, 2024 - Patient Sues Dentist After Refusing X-Rays - Case study  https://bit.ly/3WVIOPBSafco Dental Supply Blog - 5 Common Dental Equipment Mistakes & How to Prevent Them  https://bit.ly/41oTNnr https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, the Compliance Divas discuss the ongoing tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas City, KS and why dental professionals should evaluate their patient screening protocols to prevent potential exposures during dental treatment.   Learn the difference between active tb disease and latent tb, risks of transmission for the public vs. dental health care workers, and identify resources for additional information regarding tuberculosis.Resources:US News and World Report – Kansas: TB Outbreak is Largest in History.  CDC: No It's Not  https://bit.ly/4hoGEQBTime Magazine - The Tuberculosis Outbreak in KS is Alarming.   Here's What the CDC Has to Say  https://bit.ly/3CERNxFCDC Tuberculosis - https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.htmlCDC MMWR Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis 2021-2022   https://bit.ly/4aMUOZxCDC Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis  https://bit.ly/4gqXwovCity of Long Beach, CA Press Release May 2024 - Localized TB Outbreak  https://bit.ly/3wF5Os1CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings - 2003   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This year promises to bring many changes related to HIPAA compliance. In this episode, the Divas present three must have's for every HIPAA compliance program. Ensure that you have the basics in place in order to be prepared for the coming changes.HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.htmlGuidance on Risk Analysis: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/guidance/guidance-risk-analysis/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What's on your 2025 compliance radar?  This episode will help you "dial in" important compliance topics that have captured the Divas' attention and should be on your radar. Don't miss this episode, start your year off on a great start! https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Are you aware that dental professionals may be the first to identify victims of sex trafficking? Victims may come into the dental office as a patient due to oral injuries. A sex trafficker may also bring the individual in for cosmetic care to make them more desirable and marketable to their clientele.  The Divas will discuss what dental professionals should look for  and what dental professionals required to report if sex trafficking is suspected.Resources:U.S. Dept. of State - National Human Trafficking Prevention Month Fact Sheet  https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/Decisions in Dentistry - Human Trafficking: Red Flags for Dental Professionals   https://decisionsindentistry.com/article/human-trafficking-red-flags-dental-professionals/Human Trafficking:  Oral Health Can Tell a Story That Victims Cannot  https://www.rdhmag.com/patient-care/article/14279251/human-trafficking-oral-health-can-tell-a-story-that-victims-cannotNational Human Trafficking Hotline https://humantraffickinghotline.org/enMandatory Reporting of Oral Injuries Indicating Possible Child Abuse  https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)61169-7/abstract https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This episode brings to light how you can prevent pain, boost productivity and extend your dental career with evidenced-based ergonomics.  We interviewed Dr. Bethany Valachi of Posturedontics, an international speaker and author.  Be sure to tune in and learn how you can make your job less painful.Resources:Posturedontics: https://posturedontics.com/ FDI - World Dental Federation - Posture Guidelines for Oral Health Professionals  https://www.fdiworlddental.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/FDI_HSDW_ergonomics_and_posture_guidelines_eng_2021.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The CDC states that noroviruses, which can cause severe, but short-term illness are spreading throughout the country.   The Divas discuss signs, symptoms, and methods of lessening the incidence of this very contagious virus.Resources:CDC Norovirus  https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.htmlCDC Norovirus Outbreaks  https://bit.ly/4gA55tP https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Divas share their favorite podcast episodes of 2024. We also share tips on how to utilize the show notes for each episode where you will find valuable checklists and tools for safety meetings, morning huddles, and training new team members. What was your 2024 favorite podcast?  Compliance Divas website: https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Ever wonder what phishing is and how it relates to HIPAA compliance?  In this episode, the Divas review what phishing emails are and how artificial intelligence (AI) is super-charging ransomware. Don't miss this short, yet insightful episode.Becker's Hospital: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/10-most-common-phishing-emails.html?origin=BHRSUN&oly_enc_id=9773B1009234C3DTech Target: https://www.techtarget.com/searchSecurity/tip/Generative-AI-is-making-phishing-attacks-more-dangerous https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is this new strain of mPox something to be concerned about?  Has it spread beyond California? Join the Divas as they unravel any mystery behind this new strain so you can continue to stay abreast of the latest information related to disease transmission.American Hospital Association: https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2024-11-18-california-confirms-first-known-us-case-deadlier-mpox-strainCDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/situation-summary/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Flying debris during dental treatment can cause eye injuries!  Listen as the Divas interview Dr. Peter Arsenault, a dentist who is a change agent for better eye protection for dental professionals and is responsible for a new, enforceable standard for eye safety in a the dental setting.Resources:OSHA Standard 1910.133 Eye and Face Protection https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.133MA Dental Journal - A Comprehensive Study Evaluating Dental Patient Eye Safety with a Focus on Biological and Physical Hazards https://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=835994&p=34&view=issueViewer https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode the Divas discuss everything dental teams need to know about dental burs, diamonds, finishing burs, endo files, and implant files.  The most import question to be answered is whether those items can or cannot be reused, after they are cleaned and sterilized, or are they single use items.   The FDA has a lot to say about this in instructions for use and labeling.   Learn what it all means.Resources:CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Control in Dental Settings https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.htmlCDC Best Practices in Dental Infection Prevention and Control  https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/dental-ipc-faqs/index.htmlFDA - Overview of Medical Device Classification and Reclassification  https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/cdrh-transparency/overview-medical-device-classification-and-reclassificationFDA Title 21 Subchapter H - Medical Devices - Part 801 Labeling  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=801FDA Labeling Symbols  https://www.bsigroup.com/globalassets/meddev/localfiles/it-it/webinars/bsi-md-symbols-and-information-to-be-provided-by-the-manufacturer-webinar.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, the DIvas interview Caitlin, a hygienist who served as an OSHA compliance officer for the state of TN.   Caitlin shares important details about OSHA inspections, top violations and how important it is to be cooperative with an inspector if they come to your practice.Resources:OSHA Fact Sheet on Inspections  https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-inspections.pdfOSHA Establishment Search - Data on OSHA Inspections   https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.htmlOSHA Inspections, Citations, and Proposed Penalties  https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1903/1903.3 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

When dental equipment is not functioning properly, there is costly down time and repairs. In this episode, the Compliance Divas interview Donnye Bucy, owner of Dental Solutions based out of Murray, KY. Donnye will share his insights on how you can best maintain your equipment and handpieces to save time and money.Equipment Checklist: /https://www.benco.com/benco-dental-u/article/how-to-care-for-your-dental-equipment-a-handy-maintenance-checklist/Dental Assistant's Guide to Dental Equipment Maintenance: https://www.dentistryiq.com/dental-assisting/workplace-safety/article/16359418/the -dental-assistants-guide-to-dental-equipment-maintenanceDental Solutions Equipment Repair, Murray, Kentucky. http://www.dentalsolutionsbucy.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is water testing a chore in your office? Are you feeling overwhelmed because you're the sole person managing waterlines in your practice. We have the solution for you! This podcast will not only deepen your knowledge regarding waterlines but so will these tips.Solmetex Waterline Solutions. https://solmetex.com/water-solutions/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What is the one area in every dental office that becomes highly contaminated that we don't usually think about?  If you say "sinks", you would be right.   In this episode, the Divas discuss splash zones and infection prevention and control.   It's an eye opener!Resources:CDC Considerations for Reducing Risk:  Water in Health Care Facilities  https://bit.ly/3YJOJssInfection Prevention and Control Resource Hub - Water Management:  Sinks and Drains  https://bit.ly/4eYXULe https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The California Dental Board has implemented new rules affecting unlicensed and Registered Dental Assistants in CA.   These rules have a 1-1-2025 deadline for compliance and our resident expert, Leslie Canham, will explain all of the upcoming changes.Resources:CA Dental Board Statutes and Regulations https://bit.ly/4hgYsO5 CA Allowable Duties of Registered Dental Assistant https://bit.ly/4f0ATYiCDA - Licensure and scope changes will affect CA dental practices in 2025 https://bit.ly/48nuzY6 https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The devastating effects of Hurricane Helene is a sobering reminder that dental practices most have plans in place of how to prepare and respond to this type of emergency. Tune in to Part 1 where the Divas discuss the clinical aspect of dealing with a hurricane emergency. Part 2 will discuss HIPAA considerations. Boil Water Advisory Plan for Dental Practices. https://orthodonticproductsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Dental-Office-Boil-Water-Advisory-Plan-9-10-2024.pdfCDC Hurricane Preparedness. https://www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/php/preparedness-and-safety-messaging/index.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Recently, OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard, which became effective July 19, 2024. What does this mean for your practice? While there will be changes to implement, there is still plenty of time to learn more and prepare. This episode reviews the compliance deadlines and key updates.Updated Hazard Communication Standard: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/HCS_side-by-side.pdf https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Keeping up with the CDC's many changes to its guidance for COVID-19 has been challenging at best.   And we have yet another update as of June 2024.  In this episode the Divas discuss this update, the current status of COVID-19 occurrence as well as other respiratory viruses.   Join us for a lively discussion about protecting patients and the dental team from respiratory infections.Resources:CDC Infection Control Guidance SARS-CoV-2 (6/24/24)  https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/infection-control/index.htmlSubscribe to CDC Updates   https://tools.cdc.gov/campaignproxyservice/subscriptions.aspx https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Have you ever "cleaned" the computer keyboard and mouse in your treatment room? Likely it's contaminated, although barriers help, but CDC guidelines state that even barrier protected equipment like computers hardware should be cleaned and disinfected between patients. Divas Discount Code: CompDivas102016 CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings-Basic expectations for Safe Dental Care-Page 16-17. https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/index.html Man and Machine. https://www.man-machine.com/ https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Social media, such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and others have become very popular marketing channels for dental practices.  Join the Divas for a lively discussion on what we should and shouldn't show on these posts if we want to promote the concept safe oral healthcare to our patients. https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

 Who better to update dental teams on what is currently happening with respect to infection and control than, our friend and internationally know expert, Dr. John Molinari.  Join the Divas as they ask Dr. Molinari about COVID surges, Fifth Disease, Avian flu and more as we kick off Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM). https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

What happens when an ethical dilemma occurs in your practice? In this episode, the Divas highlight ethical and professional responsibility and how to avoid common ethical issues and how to mitigate them if they occur.Resources:ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct  https://bit.ly/3Z9h8IGNY Post - Dental officers laugh as they read cancer patient's diary  https://bit.ly/476P3Ul https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

On August 14th, the WHO declared a global health emergency due to the rising cases of Mpox. While this does not mean we heading into another pandemic, it's important to stay up to date. In this episode, the Divas discuss what constitutes a global health emergency, what exactly is Mpox, and how could it impact your practice. CDC Mpox Response: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/response/2022/mpx-trends.htmlCDC About Mpox: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/about/index.htmlCDC Clinicians and Infection Control: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/infection-control-healthcare.htmlCDC Ocular Infection: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/clinicians/ocular-infection.html https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Did you know that the noises encountered in a dental practice can make dental team members susceptible to the development of permanent hearing loss?  Learn which devices and equipment produce the highest levels of sound, and what does OSHA say about exposure to high levels of sound in the workplace.  The Divas also discuss methods of protecting against hearing loss.ResourcesCDC/NIOSH - About Occupational Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/3SMCrMeCDC/NIOSH - Noise and Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/3SK1Ia1SoundEar A/S - About Decibels  https://bit.ly/46I7u1yCDC/NIOSH - About Noise https://bit.ly/3SK1Ia1American Dental Association - Safety Tips to Prevent Hearing Loss  https://bit.ly/4diHX1jToday's RDH - Hearing Loss in Dentistry: A Silent Topic  https://bit.ly/4cpoqeHDental Economics - The Deafening Silence in Dentistry  https://bit.ly/4dj1jUh https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Testing the dental unit water lines is a critical task in infection prevention and control.   But how do you test?  How often do you test? And, how do you find the time to test the waterlines?   The Divas explore the new Fast Check 15 dental unit waterline test and explain the step-by-step protocol to make this task simple to perform.  The Divas are joined by Brian Mergentine, of Solmetex, dentistry's complete provider of water solutions.Resources:Journal of the American Dental Association - Dental Unit Waterline Infection Control Practice and Knowledge Gaps  https://bit.ly/3WM8ONuAmerican Dental Association Resources - Dental Unit Waterlines  https://bit.ly/3WJ9mnn  CDC - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/4c8wUqjSolmetex - Sterisil Product Series  https://bit.ly/3yb9mTWSolmetex Customer Resources  https://bit.ly/4chXJZm https://www.thecompliancedivas.com