S2E7 Verena Solutions / SafeCAP: Must haves for the Infection Control Coordinator
Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast
Release Date: 01/06/2022
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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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....
info_outlineLevel 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...
info_outlineLevel 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...
info_outlineLevel 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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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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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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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...
info_outlineLevel 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....
info_outlineLevel 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_outlineIn recent decades, medical modernization has progressed to new heights by providing high-quality services to clients. Inventions and modifications to existing equipment are critical to realizing these advancements. In today’s episode, Michael Infanger discusses his inventions, which help dentists and hygienists deliver better care to their patients.
Michael’s Background
[01:10]
Michael was a computer engineer who hung out with college kids. People assumed he was a dental student since he would join them at their parties and events. Because of this, he married a dental student at the time.
[02:48]
There’s a $20 billion market for safety syringes on the medical side. Michael’s team then began to examine the workflow and how dentists and hygienists function to determine that all they needed to do was be very conscious of the change. They needed to produce a minor deviation in the process but had a significant impact.
Unique Invention
[05:46]
Instead of a needle that slides back up, Michael chose a retractable sheath that you grip with your hands in a specified position. It’s meant to recap that needle and allows you to guide your eye and where it needs to go and not go. When a needle bends during a process, it is easy to recap this. When you throw it and pull it off, it’s pretty challenging to get it back, especially the needle, once the syringe is removed.
[06:37]
The best needles are safer, lasts longer, and cause less harm to the patient. They looked at several coating technologies, but what was available on the market at the time was not relevant. There are a lot of tough coatings that flake or fracture and flex, and needles frequently deflect during procedures that don’t function, so those coatings can’t be used. They constructed their coding over a long period, employing technology found in nature journals or provided by the researcher, to develop a robust system and very low friction over low friction and flexible enough to flex.
The System of Injections
[08:23]
A significant portion of injection pain is psychological. So, if you have a product that you are familiar with, it will cause minor damage. If you tell a patient that, they can be offended. Oh, that’s intriguing. It’s worth having a needle fear to prime the patient if something you know works. There are a lot of absolute agonies associated with needles, and it’s something that anyone can and should adopt. More significantly, you should consider the system as a whole.
Creating Safer Syringes
[11:22]
Michael’s team is developing their syringe, slimmer, and a smaller reengage for the hygiene community. They discovered that out of 50 hygienists, 40, or some odd states, can provide injections when they invented this. Because they know that the neighborhood is primarily women, they believe injections will be given out in large quantities.
[12:50]
It’s shaped like the current dental needle. This system will be aligned with your syringe as before. Threading is incorporated into the needle, so it slides on effortlessly, and a distinctive clicking sound indicates when it’s secure. Then remove the top capsule as before. On either side of the needle are two little buttons that we call our low-profile grip, where you rest your finger on those palms down and hold and spin the sheath. Dismantle the cyber sheath. The sheath covers the syringe, but the exposed aspiration needles may be seen through the side slots. It’s deliberate.
[14:18]
When teaching how far to give your injection in primary school, the long is most definitely not the only length. The size of Michael’s designed needle with that coating is what dental schools talk about when deciding how to inject, so you won’t have to worry about going in too deep. You merely sit down in your seat, and the black paint fades away. The sheet is about one millimeter thick, allowing the needle sheath to sit a bit further back. As a result, it won’t get in the way of your operation, and it doesn’t get in the form of you injecting.
The Challenge of the Pandemic
[18:30]
Michael was already marketing various safety disposables before the epidemic. However, the pandemic showed them that managing inventory and stabilizing pricing is challenging. They do it on their lunch break or whenever they have free time. Michael’s team tries to roll all of those safety disposables that you use chairside into a subscription platform.
[21:43] They can accomplish this in part in the supply management chain because they work on a subscription basis, go-to vendors, and allot six or twelve months of inventory to them. They are unconcerned about running out of supplies. Or they might inform us, “Hey, we’re going to be low in four months.” As a result, they may want to stock up at a different location. However, during the month when Michael’s team is working with your office, they are unconcerned about running out of supplies.
Purchasing Michael’s Product
[23:57]
Since there is no minimum purchase requirement, you continue customizing until you have a unique setup based on how you purchase. If there is a central purchasing area or office, each can buy what they require, but the main person can log into town and get a comprehensive report of what each office has been purchasing and how frequently they purchase.
[26:16]
You can request the safe cap product samples by visiting www.verenasolutions.com. You may look over everything and pick and choose what you like and don’t like. Then get your account set up. A small link at the top says brain a plus; go there and fill out the straightforward web form, and they’ll contact you.
Go to https://www.verenasolutions.com/ to know more about this revolutionary approach towards quality products that provides safety and solutions to modern problems.