S1E10 - Sharps Safety: “I did some really horrible things early in my career in terms of sharps safety”
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
Release Date: 05/25/2020
Legal Insights for dental offices with Olivia Wann
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange interviews legal expert Olivia Wann on the intersection of law and infection prevention in dentistry. Olivia shares her extensive experience as a consultant and lawyer working with dental practices, highlighting common compliance issues such as HIPAA violations, patient safety, and regulatory compliance errors. They discuss the importance of proper patient record handling, the need for thorough infection control training, and the consequences of non-compliance, including hefty fines and potential legal action. The discussion...
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HIPAA & Cybersecurity with Amy Wood
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC is joined by expert Amy Wood to discuss the complexities of HIPAA compliance in the dental industry. They cover the importance of cybersecurity, common mistakes made by dental practices, and the critical need for processes and protocols to protect patient data. Amy shares her personal experiences with identity theft and provides valuable insights on how to prevent data breaches. The episode emphasizes the evolving nature of HIPAA regulations and the role of technology in maintaining compliance....
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Eye Protection with Leslie Canham
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by infection prevention expert Leslie Canham to discuss the importance of eye protection in dental settings. They explore the consequences of inadequate eye protection for both dental professionals and patients, emphasizing issues like ocular trauma, infection risks, and the need for appropriate protective eyewear. The discussion also touches on OSHA standards, the role of employers in ensuring safety compliance, and anecdotes of real-life incidents that highlight the necessity for protective...
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Ergonomics with Caitlin Parsons
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of Season Three of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange delves into the importance of ergonomics in dental practices and its surprising connection to infection control. Joined by Caitlin from 'The Aligned Hygienist' podcast, they discuss the critical role ergonomics plays in creating safe dental visits, mitigating occupational hazards, and enhancing overall well-being. The conversation covers a range of topics including the benefits of ergonomic loops, the impact of using saddle stools, and the significance of maintaining neutral posture. They also...
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Backflow with Amanda Hill
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange welcomes Amanda Hill to discuss the critical topic of backflow and suction safety in dental practices. They delve into what backflow is, why it matters, and practical solutions for preventing it. The conversation covers types of backflow prevention devices, proper maintenance of vacuum pumps and suction lines, and the importance of using high-volume evacuation (HVE) devices for better aerosol management. They also highlight issues related to amalgam separators and offer practical tips for keeping both...
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Dental Waste Management with Lisa Kane
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by Lisa Kane to delve into the often overlooked topic of waste management in dental practices. They discuss the importance of properly labeling and disposing of different types of waste, the misapplication of biohazard stickers, and the distinctions between general and biomedical waste. They also explore the protocols for disposing of controlled substances and amalgam waste, as well as the necessity of proper PPE and detailed documentation. Throughout the conversation, Lisa offers practical tips and...
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Indoor Air Quality with Nancy Dewhirst
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange dives into indoor air quality with expert guest Nancy Dewhirst. They explore the complexities of maintaining air safety in dental settings, particularly in the post-COVID era. Topics include the significance of building design, HVAC systems, filtration levels, air movement strategies, and the utility of engineering controls. Dewhirst also discusses standards and best practices for addressing various contaminants like anesthetic gases, particulates, and VOCs. They provide practical advice on implementing...
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Are Dental Burs Reusable? With Sarah Stream
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by expert Sarah Stream to discuss the intricate and often confusing topic of dental burs. They delve into main issues such as the lack of clear instructions, the nuances between diamond and carbide burs, and the challenges of ensuring proper sterilization. The conversation touches on the classification of instruments, FDA regulations, and practical advice for dental teams. Sarah also shares insights from recent studies and the importance of adhering to manufacturers' instructions for use (IFUs). This...
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Disinfection & Barriers with Alyssa Aberle
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In the first episode of Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange discusses the intricacies of infection control in dental settings with Alyssa Aberle. They dive deep into the specifics of disinfection, barrier use, and environmental infection control, offering practical insights and strategies to elevate infection control practices. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, the importance of terminology, and the need for standard operating procedures. They also discuss the impact of patient observation and awareness on infection control practices....
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Autoclaves- Wet Instruments In = Wet Instruments Out with Karen Gregory
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
In this episode, host Michelle Strange welcomes Karen Gregory to discuss the nuances of infection prevention and the importance of sterilization in dental practices. Drawing from their recent training in Italy, they explore the critical aspects of autoclaves, the significance of proper equipment procurement, and the often overlooked stages of the cleaning and drying processes. Gregory emphasizes the importance of adhering to manufacturer instructions and highlights common pitfalls in instrument reprocessing. They stress the need for thorough education and standardized best practices to ensure...
info_outlineEpisode 10:
Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing sharps safety and safe injection control practices!
Episode Highlights:
- Workplace Controls/ Engineering Controls
- Protocols
- Screen, Evaluate, Monitor, Document, and Repeat
- Utility Gloves
Quotes:
“I did some really horrible things early in my career in terms of sharps safety”
“I was mindful, but it doesn’t make it right”
“Anything that can puncture the trash, does in the sharps container”
“If you find nobody can get the hang of it, you need to hang that one up”
“This can be a huddle topic”
“Ortho wires an example of something sharp that goes into the sharps container”
“I recommend you write a letter to your State Board/ governing body and get some clarification as to what exactly they want to see in the sharps container”
“It's not just for the patients it’s for us too”
“It's really important that we learn about this information, but get credible information”
Resources and Links:
OSHA: https://www.osha.gov
OSAP: https://www.osap.org
Michelle Email: [email protected]
India Email: [email protected]
A Tale of Two Hygienists: https://ataleoftwohygienists.com
Learn to Prevent: https://www.learn2prevent.com