Infection Control in Dental Practices: Staying Current in a Changing Landscape
Infection control isn’t a new topic for dental professionals—but it’s one that never stops evolving. xDental team members who stay current protect not only their patients but also their reputation and compliance standing.
One area seeing increased attention is dental waterline safety. Biofilm buildup in waterlines can harbor harmful microorganisms, and recent studies have reinforced the need for stricter monitoring and maintenance. Similarly, respiratory protection protocols have shifted following the COVID-19 pandemic, with more emphasis on airborne transmission risks in clinical settings.
Dental professionals are also balancing OSHA requirements with state-specific regulations that continue to evolve. For example, documentation standards, post-exposure protocols, and staff training intervals may differ depending on jurisdiction, making ongoing education essential to avoid compliance gaps.
Even routine practices benefit from periodic review. Questions such as Are our sterilization logs current? Are staff fit-tested for respirators? Do we have a clear response plan for accidental exposures? help teams identify weak spots before they become liabilities.
Continuing education plays a key role here—not to rehash old information but to provide updates, best practices, and practical checklists for real-world dental settings. MyDentalCE.com offers a 4-credit course, Infection Control: Current CDC Guideline & Checklist, designed to help dental teams stay ahead of changes with clear, actionable guidance.