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/41ZOI4Y
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard https://bit.ly/41La1Wz
• OSHA PPE Standard - Hand Protection https://bit.ly/4iF2Ypk
• CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf

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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.org
• The 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.pdf
• CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2020 https://bit.ly/4gXbcYD
• EPA - Selected EPA-Registered Disinfectants https://bit.ly/4bjoYDC
• EPA'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.html
• CDC - Measles (Rubeola) https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
• CDC - About Measles https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html
• CDC MMWR Feb. 15, 2020 - Measles Outbreak - California 2014-2015 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6406a5.htm

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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/4hsbCY9
• Law & Crime - Dec. 12, 2024, Multi-tasking for profit: Family sues oral surgeon after teen son dies during routing wisdom tooth procedure https://bit.ly/3QgRaNT
• KIRO News 7 Nov. 3, 2023 - Piercy County dentist suspended after patient dies allegedly from procedure https://bit.ly/43dIVdp
• MedPro Group June 4, 2024 - Patient Sues Dentist After Refusing X-Rays - Case study https://bit.ly/3WVIOPB
• Safco 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/4hoGEQB
• Time Magazine - The Tuberculosis Outbreak in KS is Alarming. Here's What the CDC Has to Say https://bit.ly/3CERNxF
• CDC Tuberculosis - https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html
• CDC MMWR Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis 2021-2022 https://bit.ly/4aMUOZx
• CDC Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis https://bit.ly/4gqXwov
• City of Long Beach, CA Press Release May 2024 - Localized TB Outbreak https://bit.ly/3wF5Os1
• CDC 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.html
• Guidance 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