In Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC is joined by expert Amy Wood to discuss the complexities of HIPAA compliance in the dental industry. They cover the importance of cybersecurity, common mistakes made by dental practices, and the critical need for processes and protocols to protect patient data. Amy shares her personal experiences with identity theft and provides valuable insights on how to prevent data breaches. The episode emphasizes the evolving nature of HIPAA regulations and the role of technology in maintaining compliance.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:40 Introduction to HIPAA with Amy Wood 02:12 Personal Experience with Data Breaches 04:56 HIPAA Compliance in Teledentistry 07:33 Common Mistakes in HIPAA Compliance 15:53 Ethics and Best Practices 17:14 Reactive Measures and Data Breaches 20:47 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   To contact Amy Wood: Business: Copper Penny Consulting  Email Address: [email protected] Social Media Handle: @CopperPennyConsulting (Instagram & Facebook)  

In this episode of Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange interviews legal expert Olivia Wann on the intersection of law and infection prevention in dentistry. Olivia shares her extensive experience as a consultant and lawyer working with dental practices, highlighting common compliance issues such as HIPAA violations, patient safety, and regulatory compliance errors. They discuss the importance of proper patient record handling, the need for thorough infection control training, and the consequences of non-compliance, including hefty fines and potential legal action. The discussion also emphasizes the role of internal leaders in fostering a culture of safety and accountability within dental practices. They touch upon practical steps to improve infection control protocols, proper use of personal protective equipment, and the significance of ongoing education and training for dental professionals.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:39 Introducing Olivia Wan 01:27 Legal Aspects of Dentistry 02:35 Common Compliance Issues 03:40 Infection Control Challenges 06:33 The Importance of Proper PPE 11:07 Regulations and Compliance 15:07 Creating a Safety Culture 29:35 Final Thoughts and Resources   To contact Olivia Wann: Websites: OliviaWann.com & ModernPracticeSolutions.com Podcast: The Compliance Divas  

In this episode, host Michelle Strange welcomes Karen Gregory to discuss the nuances of infection prevention and the importance of sterilization in dental practices. Drawing from their recent training in Italy, they explore the critical aspects of autoclaves, the significance of proper equipment procurement, and the often overlooked stages of the cleaning and drying processes. Gregory emphasizes the importance of adhering to manufacturer instructions and highlights common pitfalls in instrument reprocessing. They stress the need for thorough education and standardized best practices to ensure patient safety and effective sterilization. The episode concludes with a discussion on optimizing sterilization cycles, understanding the critical drying stage, and promoting sterile storage to prevent contamination.   00:00 Introduction and Host's Passion 00:36 Guest Introduction and Italy Training 01:39 Challenges in Instrument Reprocessing 02:21 Importance of Manufacturer's Instructions 04:17 Sterilization Process and Common Mistakes 07:15 Drying and Sterile Storage 10:18 Education and Training in Dental Practices 15:27 Best Practices and Guidelines 31:55 Conclusion and Contact Information   To contact Karen Gregory: Website:  KarenGregoryConsulting.com Email Address:  [email protected] Instagram: @SafetyStuffThatMatters

In the first episode of Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange discusses the intricacies of infection control in dental settings with Alyssa Aberle. They dive deep into the specifics of disinfection, barrier use, and environmental infection control, offering practical insights and strategies to elevate infection control practices. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, the importance of terminology, and the need for standard operating procedures. They also discuss the impact of patient observation and awareness on infection control practices. Alyssa emphasizes the role of team training and standardized practices using barriers and proper disinfection protocols.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:39 Introduction to Disinfection and Barriers 02:04 Common Misconceptions in Infection Control 05:05 Importance of Standard Operating Procedures 07:31 Cross Contamination Awareness 15:13 Effective Use of Barriers 15:26 Protocols for Spray-Wipe-Spray 19:21 Nuances in Environmental Infection Control 26:58 Team Coordination and Best Practices 32:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   To contact Alyssa Aberle: Social Media Handle: @AlyssaRDH (Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok)  Company: Laudenslager Seminars  

In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by expert Sarah Stream to discuss the intricate and often confusing topic of dental burs. They delve into main issues such as the lack of clear instructions, the nuances between diamond and carbide burs, and the challenges of ensuring proper sterilization. The conversation touches on the classification of instruments, FDA regulations, and practical advice for dental teams. Sarah also shares insights from recent studies and the importance of adhering to manufacturers' instructions for use (IFUs). This episode is a must-listen for dental professionals seeking to improve their infection prevention protocols and ensure patient safety.   00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:41 Meet the Guest: Sarah Stream 01:04 Understanding the Issues with Dental Burs 02:55 FDA Regulations and Reprocessing 04:44 Practical Tips for Dental Teams 07:00 Challenges and Solutions in Dental Practices 13:27 Spalding Classification and Instrument Sterilization 22:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Title of the Study @12:27 Biofilm on and structural damage of rotary cutting instruments after 5 cycles of clinical use and processing   FDA Medical Device Reporting Portal FDA Medical Device Reporting   To contact Sarah Stream: Website: StreamConsulting.org Facebook: @sarah.stream.50  

In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange dives into indoor air quality with expert guest Nancy Dewhirst. They explore the complexities of maintaining air safety in dental settings, particularly in the post-COVID era. Topics include the significance of building design, HVAC systems, filtration levels, air movement strategies, and the utility of engineering controls. Dewhirst also discusses standards and best practices for addressing various contaminants like anesthetic gases, particulates, and VOCs. They provide practical advice on implementing effective infection control measures to ensure a safer, healthier indoor environment for dental professionals and patients. This episode also highlights valuable resources and standards to guide dental practices in enhancing their air quality management.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:39 Introduction to Indoor Air Quality 01:59 The Importance of Office Design 04:33 Hierarchy of Infection Control 06:49 Identifying and Mitigating Risks 12:31 Engineering Controls and Solutions 17:38 Practical Advice and Expert Insights 33:52 Resources and Further Learning 38:00 Conclusion and Farewell   To contact Nancy Dewhirst: Website: NancyAndrewsRDH.net Facebook: @NancyDewhirstRDH  

In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by Lisa Kane to delve into the often overlooked topic of waste management in dental practices. They discuss the importance of properly labeling and disposing of different types of waste, the misapplication of biohazard stickers, and the distinctions between general and biomedical waste. They also explore the protocols for disposing of controlled substances and amalgam waste, as well as the necessity of proper PPE and detailed documentation. Throughout the conversation, Lisa offers practical tips and insights to simplify the process and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:11 Introducing Waste Management 00:39 Guest Introduction: Lisa Kane 01:48 Understanding Waste Types 02:20 Handling Biohazard Waste 05:20 Regulations and Compliance 06:32 Controlled Substances Disposal 13:30 Amalgam Waste Management 21:36 Proper PPE for Waste Management 23:29 Conclusion and Contact Information   To contact Lisa Kane: Website: DOC4NE.com Email Address:  [email protected]  

In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange welcomes Amanda Hill to discuss the critical topic of backflow and suction safety in dental practices. They delve into what backflow is, why it matters, and practical solutions for preventing it. The conversation covers types of backflow prevention devices, proper maintenance of vacuum pumps and suction lines, and the importance of using high-volume evacuation (HVE) devices for better aerosol management. They also highlight issues related to amalgam separators and offer practical tips for keeping both clinicians and patients safe. This informative episode is filled with actionable advice and expert insights aimed at improving infection prevention protocols in dental settings. 00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:27 Understanding Backflow in Dental Practices 03:34 Preventing Backflow: Tips and Devices 08:05 Cleaning and Maintenance of Suction Lines 11:57 Challenges and Solutions in Suction Systems 15:36 Daily Suction and Chair Side Traps Maintenance 16:15 Vacuum Canister Trap and Tubing Replacement 19:35 Amalgam Separators and Hazardous Waste Management 25:48 Incorporating High Volume Evacuation (HVE) 27:54 Conclusion and Contact Information  To contact Amanda Hill: Website: AmandaHillRDH.com Social Media Handle: @AmandaHillRDH (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)  

In this episode of Season Three of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange delves into the importance of ergonomics in dental practices and its surprising connection to infection control. Joined by Caitlin from 'The Aligned Hygienist' podcast, they discuss the critical role ergonomics plays in creating safe dental visits, mitigating occupational hazards, and enhancing overall well-being. The conversation covers a range of topics including the benefits of ergonomic loops, the impact of using saddle stools, and the significance of maintaining neutral posture. They also touch on the importance of core strength, proper setup of dental operatories, and practical tips for incorporating ergonomics into everyday dental practices to improve both practitioner and patient safety.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:28 Introducing Ergonomics in Dentistry 00:42 Guest Introduction: Caitlin, The Ergonomics Guru 01:11 Ergonomics and Infection Control: The Connection 01:52 Common Ergonomic Issues in Dental Practices 04:26 The Role of Ergonomic Tools and Equipment 09:09 The Importance of Proper Posture and Equipment 14:02 Infection Control Considerations for Ergonomic Tools 21:48 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips 26:04 Caitlin's Resources and Farewell   To contact Caitlin Parsons: Website: TheAlignedHygienist.com Email Address:  [email protected] Social Media Handle: @ TheAlignedHygienist (instagram), Caitlin Parsons (Facebook & LinkedIn) Podcast: The Aligned Hygienist Podcast

In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by infection prevention expert Leslie Canham to discuss the importance of eye protection in dental settings. They explore the consequences of inadequate eye protection for both dental professionals and patients, emphasizing issues like ocular trauma, infection risks, and the need for appropriate protective eyewear. The discussion also touches on OSHA standards, the role of employers in ensuring safety compliance, and anecdotes of real-life incidents that highlight the necessity for protective measures. The episode aims to raise awareness and encourage the adoption of better eye protection practices in dental offices.   00:00 Welcome to Season Three 00:28 The Importance of Eye Protection 01:22 Real-Life Eye Injury Stories.  Jenn's Vision 03:14 Protective Eyewear Standards and Innovations 07:44 Patient Safety and Eyewear Compliance 11:57 Legal and Employer Responsibilities 20:08 Personal Experiences and Historical Context 24:14 Final Thoughts and Resources   To contact Leslie Canham: Website:  LeslieCanham.com Podcast: The Compliance Divas