April 12th 2024
Chicago-based manufacturer of hand instruments and infection control products completes its separation from STERIS.
Hand sanitizers versus handwashing: What dental professionals need to know
October 21st 2014One of the most interesting parts of infection control is that as studies continue to enlighten, best practices continue to evolve. Balancing knowledge and actions means you have to stay up to date. One evolving infection control issue is hand hygiene. Dental professionals may consider using hand sanitizers because they appear to save time compared to hand washing and can be used frequently. But can hand sanitizers replace handwashing?
Wanted: Your dental practice horror stories
September 15th 2014It won’t be long until it’s Halloween, that annual celebration of all things creepy, crawly, and downright spooky. While many scary things have happened and will happen on October 31, it’s a sad statement that scary things happen in dental practices throughout the country every day. As a dental team member, we know you’ve witnessed plenty of things that would make our skin crawl … so we want to hear your best horror story.
OSAP to host 2015 Infection Control Boot Camp for dental professionals
September 5th 2014The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) announced that they will host the 2015 Boot Camp: Infection Control Basic Training in Atlanta, Ga. from Jan. 12-14, 2015. The conference will feature courses covering all of the core infection prevention fundamentals for dental practitioners and will offer a total of 24 continuing education (CE) hours1.
Key opinion leaders and DUX Dental launch Support Clean Dentistry campaign
June 16th 2014For Dr. Sheri Doniger of Lincolnwood, Ill., keeping her patients happy is a key part of her dental practice’s success. However, even more important to her is the constant battle to ensure her patients’ safety and health.
Hepatitis C case linked to Okla. dentist's office; ADA releases statement [VIDEO]
September 19th 2013It was reported this week, following an investigation into an Oklahoma dentist accused of potentially exposing patients to disease, that there was one confirmed case of patient-to-patient hepatitis C transmission.
Study: Dental bib clips can harbor oral bacteria even after disinfection
April 3rd 2013Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Forsyth Institute published a study this week that found that a significant proportion of dental bib clips harbored bacteria from the patient, dental clinician and the environment even after the clips had undergone standard disinfection procedures in a hygiene clinic.
OSAP reacts to infection control breach
March 31st 2013ANNAPOLIS, MD-March 29, 2013- The news that broke on March 28 of an Oklahoma oral surgeon that treated patients under unsanitary and unsafe conditions is as shocking to dental healthcare professionals as it is to the patients for whom we provide oral healthcare. While none of us outside of that practice and the officials investigating the reported violations can know all of the details, the Associated Press reports and other news agencies suggest that there is at least one suspected case of HCV transmission to a patient.
News of rogue Tulsa-based oral surgeon prompts ADA infection control statement
March 29th 2013In light of recent news reports concerning a Tulsa, Okla.-based oral surgeon, the American Dental Association (ADA) has made a statement of recommended procedures and also noted that there may be heightened interest in infection control procedures.
New dental product: Sporicidin Microbial Testing Strips from Hager Worldwide
March 11th 2013Sporicidin Microbial Testing Strips are said to be fast, easy, and accurate tools for detecting potential microorganisms on many common interior surfaces. The testing strips can be used as a screening tool for quickly testing the potential presence of microbial growth such as bacteria, mold, fungi, blood and body fluids, as well as many typical allergens. They also can be used for post verification of the cleaning process. Hager Worldwide 800-328-2335
New dental product: Sterilant Tray from Hager Worldwide
February 27th 2013The Sterilant Tray is described as a durable, high-volume germicide tray designed for maximum use of chemicals to clean, disinfect, and sterilize instruments. It is designed for easy cleaning and is large enough to accommodate dental instruments, impression trays, cassettes, bur blocks, and bur guards. The tray holds 3.17 quarts of liquid and is safe to use with enzymes, detergents, disinfectants (phenols), and cold sterilants for glutaraldhyde and chlorines. Hager Worldwide
New dental product: Weltex Assurance Dual Indicator Sterilization Pouches by JP Solutions
February 8th 2013The Weltex Assurance Dual Indicator Sterilization Pouches are said to offer internal and external indicators for maximum sterilization assurance. They also have dual indicators for steam and ETO. The economical pouches are made from medical-grade paper and have triple-sealed seams. A perforated fold makes closing the pouches easy. JP Solutions 845-589-0215 www.jpsolutionsbrands.com
New dental product: Pro One Sonic Tabs by Cargus International Inc.
February 7th 2013Pro One Sonic Tabs microbal bioenzymatic tablets are said to create a powerful ultrasonic cleansing solution. The tablets are made from a biodegradable, non-chlorine and anti-rust formula that contains fast-acting bioenzymatic enzymes. The solutions digests and removes blood, bone, tissue, food particles and other materials that may be resistant to chemical detergents. The tablets are non-corrosive with a neutral ph and also may be used as an instrument pre-soak or evacuation system cleaner. Cargus International Inc.
New dental product: Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Spray and Wipes from The Bosworth Company
January 31st 2013Designed for use on a broad range of surfaces, Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Spray and Wipes are ready-to-use non-bleach disinfectants. They are said to be ideal for powerful cleaning in the most sensitive patient areas. The spray and wipes have a 30-second to 1-minute kill time on most bacteria and viruses. They have a light scent are non-corrosive and provide one-step cleaning. The Bosworth Company 800-323-4352
Essential Dental Seminars expands CE curriculum
January 31st 2013For the past 15 years, Essential Dental Seminars has been recognized worldwide as a leader in the field of endodontics. Essential Dental Seminars is now expanding their CE Curriculum to include the latest research, studies, practice management techniques, and the tools dentists need to succeed.
New dental product: Bite Block Baggies by Flow Dental Corp.
January 31st 2013Latex-free Bite Block Baggies are designed to cover and protect the bite block, positioning arm and x-ray media from contamination. The baggies are used by assembling the x-ray, bite block and positioner and then placing those parts into the baggie. After use, rebag for the next patient. They can be used with phosphor plate and x-ray film holders, are economically priced and are packaged 500 to a box. Flow Dental Corp. 800-356-9729 www.FlowDental.com
Implementing eco-friendly infection control
January 26th 2013Preventing pathogen transmission among patients and dental health care personnel is the primary goal of infection prevention in the dental office. During the course of the work day, clinicians repeatedly perform hand hygiene, wear personal protective equipment, clean and disinfect surfaces (or apply surface barriers), sterilize instruments, maintain dental unit waterlines, and use single-use disposable items. These tasks often involve equipment and products that produce much waste, consume excess energy, and use toxic chemicals.
9 simple steps to protect yourself and your dental staff from flu
January 11th 2013Winter 2013 is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons on record, and dentists and dental staff are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves and their patients from falling victim to the outbreak. By establishing and following proper infection-control guidelines and limiting your exposure to sick staff and patients, you stand a good chance of making it through the season unscathed.
OSAP names Board of Directors for 2012-13
October 18th 2012ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has elected Dr. Leslie E. Grant to lead its executive board of directors for the 2012-13 fiscal year. Grant has accepted the chair position for the infection prevention advocate.