IPAC Compliance
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July 25, 2025
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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July 11, 2025
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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May 23, 2025
What is the Financial Worth of Each Operatory?
Every operatory in a dental practice represents a significant source of revenue. Based on minimum daily production estimates:
- A hygiene operatory generates at least $1,800 per day.
- A DDS operatory generates at least $3,000 per day.
Beyond direct production, every operatory also carries associated labour costs. In this analysis, we account for:
- Registered Dental Hygienists (RDH) @ $400 per day
- Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) @ $200 per day
- Administrative staff (Admin) @ $200 per day
This basic model does not include:
- Percentages paid to associate dentists
- Salaries for office managers
- Additional costs for percentages paid to specialists
Understanding the True Cost of Non-Compliance
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January 31, 2025In healthcare, sterilization is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of patients. Dental practices have long been at the forefront of stringent sterilization processes, driven by the high standards required to prevent infection. But what if these best practices could extend beyond dentistry? Here, we explore five industries that could benefit significantly from dental-inspired sterilization solutions.
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January 24, 2025
In the dental field, maintaining a sterile environment is crucial to ensuring patient safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. One of the fundamental practices that can significantly impact infection control is proper donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) of personal protective equipment (PPE). In this blog, we’ll explore why these practices are essential for dental professionals, provide step-by-step instructions for both donning and doffing and highlight key tips to keep in mind.
The Importance of Proper Donning and Doffing
The mouth can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses, making it imperative for dental professionals to take the necessary precautions. The correct donning and doffing of PPE help to:
- Protect Patients and Staff: Wearing proper PPE safeguards b
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December 13, 2024
As we approach 2025, it’s hard to ignore the seismic shifts brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. While much of the world has adapted to new norms, certain sectors, such as dentistry, continue to face unique challenges. The pandemic affected not only our health but also our dental practices, introducing waves of stress, financial burdens, and new stringent infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols.
In this week's blog, we explore the unseen struggles dental clinics face as they navigate a post-pandemic landscape and what that means for the patients who rely on their care.
The Financial Strain on Dental Clinics
When COVID-19 swept the globe, dental clinics were among the first to feel the effects. With government mandates for non-emergency dental procedures to halt, m
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December 06, 2024
Why does sterilization monitoring include both a biological indicator ‘test’ and a ‘control’? Post incubation is it not clear enough that the user will simply look to see if the vial is purple or yellow? Seems simple to observe a color change and log the outcomes. This is all indeed true, however, dental professionals need to remember the structure of scientific testing and validating. Going back to high school science and the science labs in undergrad we were all taught the purpose of following the scientific method. As we get busy in our typ
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November 29, 2024
Dental professionals and patients are exposed to various eye hazards during dental procedures. While the risk of infection or injury might not always seem obvious, combining high-speed tools, chemicals, and light sources such as lasers and curing lights makes comprehensive eye protection critical in the dental field. The potential consequences of not using eye protection can be severe, including corneal abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, and even irreversible eye damage. This article will explore common types of eye injuries, types of lenses suitable for various dental equipment, and criteria for selecting appropriate protective eyewear for both healthcare providers and patients.
Types of Eye Injuries in Dental Settings
Eye injuries in dental practices can be broadly categorized into four main types: trauma, infectious, impact, and chemical injuries.
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October 25, 2024
In dentistry, effective sterilization processes are paramount to ensuring patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections. Traditionally, dental practices relied on manual monitoring techniques to track sterilization cycle parameters, but the landscape is shifting. Digital sterilization monitoring systems offer a more accurate, efficient, and reliable solution. This blog explores the key differences between digital and manual sterilization monitoring, highlighting why the transition to digital systems is essential for modern dental practices.
The Importance of Effective Sterilization Monitoring
Sterilization is crucial in dentistry to eliminate pathogens from equipment such as instruments and surfaces. Dental professionals have associations that provide standards and guidelines to help implement effective sterilization protocols. Accurate
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October 18, 2024
International Infection Prevention Week, a celebration of those safeguarding our health, occurs from October 13 to the 19th of 2024. Established in 1986, the week 'aims to shine a light on infection prevention' each year, recognizing those who make infection prevention their professional focus. As we approach International Infection Prevention Week 2024, we must acknowledge and honor the indispensable role of infection preventionists worldwide. From hospitals and clinics to community settings, these committed individuals are at the forefront, ensuring our health is protected by preventing and controlling infections. This year's theme, Moving the Needle on Infection Prevention, underscores the significance of their work and brings attention to an often-overlooked area: dental infection prevention and control.
Dental Infection Prevention and Control
