Join the Divas as we explore the science behind hand hygiene, nail contamination, and the surprising resilience of pathogens. Are you ready for a deep dive into the bacterial biofilms hiding beneath your fingertips—and why they matter in healthcare. Resources: CDC Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/hand-hygiene/index.htmlIsolation and diagnosis of bacteria from under long nails (natural and artificial) in young females ...

The Divas discuss the critical need to be ready for unexpected medical emergencies with Lee Majerus, Program Manager for VitalertKit at Young Innovations. Lee explains how a well designed color coded medical emergency kit can help dental teams handle a variety of urgent situations. Whether it’s responding to an allergic reaction or addressing a sudden cardiac event, having essential drugs on hand ensures you can deliver fast, effective care when every moment matters. Medical Emergency Trainin...

In this episode, the Divas discuss recent developments at the CDC that suggest that the public's trust in the CDC has diminished. Although the Division of Oral Health has been eliminated, all of the infection control guidelines for dental settings are still intact, and the Divas will discuss the importance of following these guidelines and how they are recognized as standards of care. Resources: CDC Dental Infection Prevention and Control https://www.cdc...

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 Y...

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:/...

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/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...