S2E9 Zirc Dental Products: 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....
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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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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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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...
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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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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_outlineThe ability to organize objects for rapid access is the golden grail in all facets of life. It saves you time and effort in recovering these items, as well as money on perishable foods that have been stored and forgotten. Tina discusses how Zirc has aided professionals, including private practitioners, by giving adequate and quick solutions to typically unorganized objects and how these simple solutions have improved workflow productivity.
Zirc Dental Products
[01:30]
Zirc Dental Products was established in the year 1967. Jim Campion, the company's CEO, and founder saw a gap in the market for products that provide solutions to dental team members, such as time, savings, and products that help make dental teams safer, happier, and more productive. Those three philosophies are the foundation of the company.
[03:39]
Many of us in the industry take pleasure in our ability to think critically about organization and desire to adopt things that we have a spot for everything to be. What's critical to note is the distinction between being structured and efficient within your organization.
[04:20]
Eliminate daily pressures, concerns, and feelings of overload in your life. Because the reality is that around 80% of everything we own is unused daily. When you consider that percentage concerning the totality of our lives, it's enormous, especially when we're disorganized. According to Andrew Mellon, a best-selling author and productivity expert, we can waste up to a year of our lives searching for misplaced objects.
Working with teams
[05:15]
Teams must evaluate the value of their time in their practice. The consequence of disrupting the flow of a procedure when having to stop to find a missing instrument or material is detrimental. It’s not only wasting time, it also adds frustration for the clinicians and the patient. Schedule a time to address these issues rather than allowing them to fester.
[09:34]
It must be a collaborative effort. There is not a single department that is more powerful than the others. Color Method is Zirc's streamlined approach to instrument and material organization. They aid with organizing the necessary devices and supplies by associating a color with each of the procedures. And in doing so, they add a visual component to create a "grab and go" organization. It can significantly help teams in optimizing their workflows and saving them time.
[12:44]
When working with teams, have them begin by assigning a color to each procedure they offer in their practice. Zirc has 16 vibrant colors available to match any decor and creates a fun and pleasing atmosphere. Zirc works one-on-one with teams to truly understand their current systems and what makes their practice unique. This critical step allows them to understand each practice's desired and unique needs.
[14:36]
Reprocessing becomes simple and efficient. Any team member will be able to step in to assist with this duty as each component of the same color is entered into the sterilization pouch together. This will eliminate the chance of missing instrumentation at chairside. The ability to cross-train employees provides a shared understanding of each department's duties and provides a cohesive culture.
[15:45]
Avoid the concept and inefficiency of storing many operatories with expensive dental materials that can become misplaced, disheveled, and expire. Zirc’s procedure tubs can act as a portable drawer that can be moved throughout the clinic. Think of the money saved when you are stocking one tub per procedure vs all the same materials in multiple operatories.
[18:41]
Color Method isn't one-size-fits-all. There are no two practices that are the same, and there is also a wide range of clinicians. This is where Zirc's services come in: listening, understanding, and determining what is required. They customize a plan for each individual practice or group.
[19:40]
Our schedules can get behind when we're disorganized. Inventory management is a difficult yet essential part of a functioning practice. It can be a pain to keep track of stocks. It takes time for someone to learn that function, but knowing what we have on hand is vital to the office’s overhead. When is it appropriate to place an order? How much will this cost, and where is the most efficient place to store all these supplies? In the day-to-day lives of dental team members, there is a lot of stress.
[21:44]
Begin to comprehend what our objectives are? What do we want to achieve in the coming year? What do we aim to improve on? Sometimes, teams aren't even aware that they're dealing with a lot of dysfunction. As a new team member, nothing is more fearful than arriving at a practice with no idea where anything is and what systems are in place. Now imagine the ease and joy of entering central sterilization and seeing a color-code chart with all your procedure trays and tubs organized with everything you'll need right at your fingers instead….what a bliss.
[28:22]
Take a look and contact Zirc for those individualized solutions. Whether you're a private practice, an extensive group practice, or a DSO, they deal with organizations of all shapes and sizes. One of the services that they provide, aside from organization, is a discussion where you pick up the phone, speak with one of their clinical and efficiency specialists, and start the conversation about how you want to improve at XY and Z this year. Life is all about timing, and your team must be willing to try something new and different and let Zirc be the solution for you.
Go to https://www.zirc.com/ to browse through Zirc's innovative products for you and your business.
Take the first step of organization and connect with a Zirc organization and efficiency consultant today. Get Organized | Zirc
See the difference Color Method can make in your day. https://bit.ly/2ZfYMXy