Recent Blog Posts

• The maxill PCD: Not Just a Device, but a Deliberate Design

  Posted: August 07, 2025

  Categories: IPAC Compliance , Infection Control , Professional
  

  As infection control standards continue to evolve, dental professionals are seeking tools that not only meet today’s requirements but anticipate tomorrow’s demands. The maxill Process Challenge Device (PCD) stands out as a future-ready, cost-effective, and scientifically grounded solution for validating sterilizer performance in dental settings.

  Designed for Real-World Sterilization Challenges

  The maxill PCD is engineered to replicate one of the most difficult sterilization scenarios in dentistry: a narrow lumen, prioritizing clinical specificity over general simulation. This deliberate design closely mirrors the internal geometry of dental handpieces, ultrasonic sleeves, hollow mirror handles, and air polisher handpieces, equipment that demands the highest level of sterilization assurance.

  You might ask, why not use a flat, square, or rectangular PCD

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• Best Practice: Not Optional, but Essential

  Posted: July 25, 2025

  Categories: IPAC Compliance , Infection Control , Professional
  

  In dentistry, and especially in infection prevention and control (IPAC), the term “best practice” is often misunderstood. Many assume it's an optional extra, something aspirational or “above and beyond” the standards. But in reality, best practice is not about going beyond the standards, it's about fully meeting them through a responsible, evidence-informed, and risk-managed approach.

  Let me explain.

  When we say “best practice,” what we really mean is: meeting the standards with accountability. Best practice is about taking the regulatory standards and interpreting them through the lens of risk management, tailoring them to your specific clinical environment. It's not an abstract concept or a luxury for high-end clinics. It is the professional duty of every regulated health professional.

  Why Standards Sound Vague—And Why That's Intentional

  Often, standards are written broadly. This is not becaus

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• Guidelines vs. Standards in Dental IPAC: Does the Difference Matter?

  Posted: July 11, 2025

  Categories: IPAC Compliance , Infection Control , Professional
  

  In the world of dental infection prevention and control (IPAC), the terms *guidelines* and *standards* are often used as if they mean the same thing. But should they be? And more importantly … does it matter?

  Yes, it matters. A lot.

  What's the Difference?

  Standards are formal, enforceable requirements set by regulatory bodies. They are the minimum expectations for safe and ethical practice. Meeting these standards is not optional—they are legally binding, and failing to comply can lead to professional consequences, including disciplinary action or loss of license.

  Guidelines, on the other hand, are recommendations. They are typically developed by public health agencies, expert panels, or research organizations. While not enforceable on their own, guidelines represent current best practices and offer direction on how to implement standards effectively and safely.

  Why Are They Confused?

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• Step Wedges Still Matter: Why Your Dental Office Needs This Simple QA Tool

  Posted: June 27, 2025

  Categories: Professional , Radiography/X-ray
  

  In today’s high-tech dental world, quality assurance (QA) often brings to mind automated sensors and software calibration. But there's one old-school, low-tech tool that remains just as essential as ever: the step wedge. Health Canada’s Safety Code 30 and best practice guidelines still recommend regular use of this tool to ensure your dental radiography systems are functioning correctly (Health Canada, 2022). If your practice is overlooking step wedge testing, or not logging it properly, you may be putting diagnostic accuracy and patient safety at risk.

  What Is a Step Wedge Test?

  A step wedge is a radiographic quality control tool made of graduated thicknesses of aluminum. When exposed to X-rays, it produces a pattern of varying density levels on the image. This test helps evaluate the consistency of image quality and monitor changes in exposure, sensor calibration, or processing systems (for fil

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