Infection Control
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August 07, 2025
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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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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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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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
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October 04, 2024
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is a widely recognized antimicrobial agent that has made significant strides in dentistry. Known for its effectiveness in combating oral pathogens, this powerful antiseptic agent is utilized for various applications in dentistry, offering numerous benefits to both patients and practitioners. In this blog, we’ll review some key uses of chlorhexidine gluconate in dentistry and how it contributes to better oral health.
What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a chemical antiseptic that is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its ability to bind to tissues and provide a prolonged antimicrobial effect makes it particularly useful in dental care. Typically available in mouth rinses, gels, and varnishes, chlorhexidine has been embraced as a vital tool for maintaining oral hygiene.
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September 20, 2024
If my dental regulatory body does not state specifically, that I need to track and trace, then who is telling me to track and trace?
A terrific question for any busy dental office to pose … who is telling me to track and trace? To answer the ‘who’ one must understand the ‘why’. Once the ‘why’ is understood through a risk management lens and professional responsibility to keep the public safe, the who loses its debate as you will be the person telling yourself to track and trace!
Tracking and tracing are linking a sterilized package to the client it was used on. Why do we label packages with the date, sterilizer #, load #, contents, and initialize? It is not just to label to see when it was sterilized but also where it’s going or in past tense, has gone. The label is the first step of having a recall system in place, it’s the tracking of packa
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July 26, 2024
In the dental industry, Manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (MIFU) are a critical component of ensuring patient safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. In Canada, Health Canada requires medical device manufacturers to provide clear and concise instructions for use to ensure that healthcare professionals (HCP), including dentists, can use their products safely and effectively.
Let us explore the significance of a proper MIFU in dental offices, its relevance to regulatory compliance, and the possible consequences of non-compliance.
What is a MIFU?
A MIFU is a document prepared by the manufacturer that provides detailed information on the safe and effective use of their products. It includes information such as:
Product d
