In this episode, the Divas reflect on the year’s most impactful safety challenges and breakthroughs. We'll highlight key takeaways you can carry forward into 2026, reinforcing a culture of vigilance and trust. Join us as we distill the lessons of the past year into practical strategies for a safer tomorrow.

• Dental Patient Safety Foundation: https://www.dentalpatientsafety.org/
• TDIC, Improving Patient Safety with a Timeout Policy: https://www.tdicinsurance.com/Manage-Risks/RM-Matters/Article/improving-patient-safety-with-a-timeout-policy

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Dental practices are increasingly integrating broader wellness strategies to elevate patient outcomes and support whole-person care. Join our special guests whose passion is to enhance your prevention and total body strategies. Has your team embraced whole-body wellness?

• L'Diamante Consulting: https://ldiamantecoaching.com/
• Shine Workbook Journal for Dental Hygienists: https://tinyurl.com/ShineWorkbook
• Girl, Stop Half Assing Your Carers: https://tinyurl.com/CareerHygienists

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In this episode, the Divas interview Dr. Anthony Carroccia who lectures nationally on nitrous oxide. He'll provide insight on FDA's new recommendation for consumers.

• FDA Information:

https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-advises-consumers-not-inhale-nitrous-oxide-products

• Dr. Anthony Carroccia:

https://www.stbethlehemdentalcare.com/lectures-courses-dr-anthony-carroccia/

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In this episode, the Divas review the topics that must be covered in BBPS training, when it must be provided and who is qualified to present the training. Learn from the experts how to manage new employee and annual training on the BBPS, infection control and other required safety training.

Resources:

• OSHA BBPS Fact Sheet - https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/bbfact01.pdf
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention https://www.osha.gov/bloodborne-pathogens/resources
• CDC Information for Employers - Complying with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2009-111/pdfs/2009-111.pdf

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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.html
• Isolation and diagnosis of bacteria from under long nails (natural and artificial) in young females https://www.biosciencejournal.net/archives/2024/vol6issue1/PartA/6-1-24-401.pdf
• CDC - Clinical Safety: Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Workers https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/hcp/clinical-safety/index.html

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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 Training: https://www.vitalertkit.com/medical-emergency-kit-webinars

Vitalert website: https://www.vitalertkit.com/medical-emergency-kit

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.html
• Association for Dental Safety https://www.myads.org/

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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/49gllzn
• HuFriedy Group - 6 Critical Steps for Cleaning and Protecting Your Dental Instruments https://www.hufriedygroup.com/en/blog/6-critical-steps-cleaning-and-protecting-your-dental-instruments
• American Dental Association (ADA) Caring for Dental Instruments https://jada.ada.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-8177%2821%2900785-6

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com