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/a...

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 http...

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/p...

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 patient...

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 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/4mt3PfbCDC Workbook for Designing, Implementing & Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program https://bit.ly/4mYzcxXAnnual Need...

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 - Att...

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...

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.os...

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....

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 - 20...

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 articl...

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 Faci...

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 - h...

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 ht...

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.l...

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 ...

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 Health...