Dentistry’s Top 5 Dirty Concerns

Dentistry’s Top 5 Dirty Concerns Registration & light refreshments begin at 6:30PM, Lecture 7-8PM.

1 CEU

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is set to release updated guidelines for dental practices in 2025. However, as a temporary dental hygienist, I’ve observed that many offices still haven’t implemented the 2003 guidelines, which are now over 20 years old. This presentation will focus on five key concerns that contribute to our profession lagging in infection control. As dental healthcare professionals work toward being recognized as independent providers, it’s crucial that we change our legacy mindset and strengthen our infection control practices.

Proper sterilization of dental instruments is essential to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, making it crucial to follow strict protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing tools to ensure patient safety. Equally important is understanding dental unit waterlines and controlling biofilm growth, which helps maintain a healthy environment for both you and your patients during procedures. Effective hand hygiene is another critical preventive measure in infection control. Environmental disinfection, often overlooked due to time constraints, can be a costly mistake if not done thoroughly. Lastly, an office with a strong training program fosters a successful team, ensures healthy staff, and promotes happy, satisfied patients.

Course Objectives:

• Identify common mistakes made during instrument reprocessing and how to correct them.
• Describe steps to address dental unit waterline failures and determine the best method for your office.
• Employ methods for controlling aerosols during dental procedures.
• Implement practices for disinfection procedures that protect employees.
• Develop a strong and reliable training program for your practice.

Featuring Deanna Otts-Whitfield, MSHQS, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Deanna Otts-Whitfield is a highly experienced and knowledgeable dental professional passionate about oral health education and promotion. She is a consultant who helps dental offices navigate regulatory compliance. Deanna has a bachelor’s in dental hygiene, an executive master’s in healthcare quality and safety, and a Certification in Dental Infection Prevention and Control from the Association for Dental Safety. She is also a published writer and speaker.

With over 15 years of experience in the dental industry, Deanna has gained expertise in various aspects of dental hygiene, infection prevention, and patient care. She has a deep commitment to delivering evidence-based practices and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

deeotts@gmail.com | Deanna on LinkedIn | On RDHConnect | On the TDHA FaceBook page