The Compliance Divas recently attended the annual conference of the Association for Dental Safety and share their insights and take-aways from the meeting presentations. The Divas also have a special promotion for ADS membership - see below.

Resources:

• ADS membership application - https://www.myads.org/membership-application Use code DIVAS50.
• Association for Dental Safety - https://www.myads.org

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Email encryption ensures that only authorized individuals have access to patient information and it's required under the HIPAA Security Rule. Having the right program makes it easier to be compliant and protect your patients' sensitive information. In this episode, the Divas provide tips for evaluating your current email encryption program.

• HIPAA Security Rule updates: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/security/hipaa-security-rule-nprm/factsheet/index.html
• Holland and Hart Law article: https://www.hollandhart.com/hipaa-emails-texts

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Join the DIVAS and Holly Weaver from Midmark for an in-depth discussion of the new Midmark M-9 and M-11 sterilizers. Dental teams will want to know how these innovations and new features can elevate the instrument sterilization process, trouble-shooting errors and recordkeeping for risk management.

Resources:

• Midmark Corporation https://www.midmark.com/dental/products/instrument-processing/steam-sterilizers
• CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities - 2008, updated 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/disinfection-and-sterilization/index.html

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The states of WA and GA have implemented rules within the state dental boards for maintaining and testing dental unit water quality. Join the Divas as they discuss this regulatory activity, and why it is so important for patient safety. Our special guest is Chanda Chatham, Director of Education for Solmetex, our sustaining sponsor.

Resources:

• WA State Legislature - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/3DYCWyP
• Georgia Dental Association Notice of Attempt to Adopt a Rule - https://bit.ly/4l7pUzz
• Solmetex - State of GA Requirements https://bit.ly/3FS5bzN
• Sterisil Water Products https://solmetex.com/

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Spring and summer usher in mosquito season, bringing an increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Recently, the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) issued a warning about Dengue virus in the U.S. The Divas delve into its transmission, symptoms, and ways to prevent exposure.

Resources:

• CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Ongoing Risk of Dengue Virus Infections https://www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han00523.html
• CDC - About Dengue https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/
• CDC - Travelers' Health https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
• American Medical Association (AMA) How to Stay Healthy when Traveling https://bit.ly/43VwNhi

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Since 2002, Patient Safety Awareness Week (PSAW) aims to promote patient safety throughout healthcare. This week the Divas share four key patient safety strategies for every practice and the three "A's" of patient safety and more.

Resources:

• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) - https://bit.ly/4icWtdL
• IHI - Patient Safety Essential Tool Kit - https://bit.ly/429jmZP
• University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry - health history forms in multiple languages - https://bit.ly/45Yd0g5

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

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