Your team’s biggest bottleneck isn’t skill—it’s scatter. Protocols in a binder, forms in a folder, training in an inbox, product specs on five websites. Every minute hunting is a minute not treating.

Infection prevention is not just a clinical responsibility. It is part of how a dental practice protects patients, supports the team, and builds trust in the care experience. When infection prevention systems are inconsistent, the consequences may not always appear as a clear line item, but they can still affect daily operations, team alignment, and patient confidence.

Even strong teams miss things—usually the small, repeatable steps that slip under the radar. Here are five common mistakes we see in practices that care, try, and still get tripped up

When people think about dental safety, they often think about gloves, masks, sterilization, and surface disinfection. But two of the most important safety systems in a dental practice are often less visible: indoor air and dental unit waterlines (DUWLs).

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent cross-contamination in dentistry. Contaminated hands can move pathogens between patients and providers. Consistent, correct technique—at the right moments—cuts infection risk significantly. The goal: reduce transmission with clear rules, effective products, and reliable habits.

If you want safer care and fewer headaches, start with clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). They turn “what we usually do” into “what we always do” consistently, correctly, and compliantly.

Three days. Zero fluff. The 2026 Boot Camp packed practical, do-this-now guidance to protect patients, your team, and your license. Check out all the key takeaways! 

Antibiotic resistance is a global, urgent threat—and dentistry has a real role to play. As a professional membership association, ADS equips dental teams to prescribe wisely, treat definitively, and communicate clearly with patients.

Dental teams across the country are rethinking their infection control protocols to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. If you’re considering introducing new products or altering your practices, it’s crucial to ensure safety, effectiveness, and compliance. Here are essential guidelines to help your practice transition smoothly and responsibly:

Are you ready to sharpen your skills, challenge your knowledge, and take your infection control game to the next level? Registration for the 2026 ADS Dental Infection Control Boot Camp is open —and this year, it’s more dynamic than ever with two brand-new pre- and post-camp intensives you won’t want to miss! 

In today’s rapidly evolving dental landscape, dental practices face unique challenges when it comes to infection prevention and patient safety. Ensuring every team member—from new hires to seasoned professionals—understands and consistently applies the latest protocols is essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and reputable practice. The ADS workbooks are purpose-built to support dental practices, empowering staff with the confidence and competence they need to provide exceptional patient care.

This episode's guest, Greg Holder, MPH, serves as a Policy Analyst at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the Division of Oral Health, where he analyzes state and local legislation and other health policy to determine its impact on oral health and, the use of infection prevention guidelines. He also responds to public inquiries.