Guests: Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst

Episode Overview:
Orthodontic consultants Andrea Cook and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, join host Alison Werner to explain how misinformation—and simple habit—can derail OSHA and infection-control compliance in an orthodontic practice. They outline the real-world risks (from six-figure fines to failure to attract great new hires), identify reliable sources for up-to-date guidance, and spell out who should own compliance in the office.

Chapters:
00:03 Why “hand-me-down” protocols put practices at risk
04:40 Common misinformation hot spots (Facebook groups, vendor advice)
10:50 Summer hires & the dangers of “just doing sterilization” without training
12:30 Credible resources: AAO Staff Club & Ask ADS AI tool
16:55 What the CDC Oral Health Division closure doesn’t change
22:35 Top three compliance questions Andrea & Jackie hear most
24:00 Dental unit water-line shocks & testing—new state rules in Florida and Georgia
30:15 Financial penalties: $16,000 per OSHA infraction; up to $165k/day for willful violations
38:20 Who should manage OSHA & infection prevention—and how to empower them
42:00 How strong protocols help attract (and keep) quality team members

Key Takeaways:

• Misinformation is common—practices must rely on verified, non-commercial sources for OSHA and infection control guidance.
• Compliance impacts perception—patients and prospective staff notice when safety standards fall short.
• Outdated habits aren’t enough—what worked in a previous office may no longer meet today’s regulatory requirements.
• Leadership matters: The doctor sets the tone; a dedicated, well-trained coordinator enforces it.

Resources Mentioned:
💠 AAO Staff Club (annual OSHA & infection-control CE): https://www2.aaoinfo.org/aao-for/staff/
💠 Association for Dental Safety's Ask ADS site (a free AI beta for evidence-based answers): https://www.myads.org/ask-ads
💠 CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol
💠 Andrea Cook’s OSHA Inspection & CDC Infection Prevention Compliance Checklists: https://www.andreacookconsulting.com/forms-downloads

Guest Bios and Contact Info:
Andrea Cook is a clinical consultant specializing in OSHA compliance, infection-control protocols, and sterilization-room design. Also guides practices on clinical efficiency, workflow development, and technology adoption.
🔗 Website & free checklists: andreacookconsulting.com

Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS, is a microbiologist and dental hygienist with 30+ years of lecturing and consulting on instrument sterilization, infection prevention, and OSHA safety. Frequent AAO speaker and contributor to Orthodontic Products.
📧 safepract@gmail.com | 📱 +1 949-842-1747 | 🔗 https://jackiedorst.com/

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