With September fast approaching, Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM) is less than a month away! This annual initiative is dedicated to promoting infection prevention and safety throughout all areas of dentistry. As the only association exclusively focused on dental infection control, ADS is proud to lead this effort under the theme, “Embracing a Culture of Safety: Empowering Patients and the Dental Team.” This campaign underscores the vital importance of collaboration and shared responsibility across the dental community to uphold the highest standards of safety for patients, professionals, and all who support the delivery of oral healthcare.

Participation in DICAM empowers every member of the dental community to advance infection prevention and patient care. Here are several ways you can get involved this September:

1. Download the Social Media & Marketing Toolkit

Enhance your outreach efforts – use our comprehensive Social Media & Marketing Toolkit. This resource provides a variety of graphics, sample messaging, and guidelines designed to help you share the importance of dental infection prevention with your networks. Whether you work in a clinical, educational, organizational, or support role, you can easily tailor these materials to fit your audience and help raise awareness within your unique sphere of influence!

2. Utilize the Infection Prevention & Safety Resource Toolkit

Stay informed with evidence-based resources that support infection prevention and safety across all dental settings. The Infection Prevention & Safety Resource Toolkit offers practical guidance, protocols, and educational materials relevant to a variety of roles in dentistry. These resources are designed to help everyone in the dental field champion the principles of safe, effective care and foster a culture rooted in best practices.

3. Ask ADS

Throughout DICAM, weekly topics highlight critical areas of infection prevention and safety. Whether you're seeking clarification, wish to deepen your understanding of specific infection control measures, or develop specific checklists and SOPs, Ask ADS is available as your trusted information resource. Engage with our AI-powered assistant, get instant, reliable answers - in your native language, and enhance your professional knowledge.

4. Promote Awareness on Social Media

Every voice in the dental community makes a difference. By sharing your commitment to infection prevention on social media, you can:

• Educate and Inform: Dispel myths and raise awareness by sharing accurate information.
• Showcase Professional Commitment: Highlight your dedication to the highest standards of dental care and infection prevention.
• Strengthen Trust with Patients: Transparent infection control practices build patient confidence and trust.
• Set Your Practice Apart: Stand out as a leader in patient safety and infection prevention.

Use the official DICAM hashtag #DICAM25 and tag ADS in your posts to amplify the message and showcase your engagement. Sharing your perspective, experiences, or educational insights contributes to the momentum of this important campaign and strengthens our community effort.

Join Us This September

DICAM is a time to unite, learn, and lead the way in infection control across all facets of oral healthcare. By participating, you help ensure a safer environment for patients, colleagues, and yourself. Join ADS and fellow members of the dental community this September in advancing a culture of safety!