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:

A Comprehensive Infection Control Plan

• Use sterilizable stainless steel high-volume suction tips and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU).
• Choose an intermediate-level hospital disinfectant with biodegradable properties.
• Employ reusable microfiber wipes with spray bottles. Launder these wipes on-site and ensure they’re compatible with your chosen disinfectant—again, follow all IFUs.
• Use EPA-registered, pre-soaked disinfectant wipes for quick and reliable disinfection.
• Incorporate a single EPA-registered enzyme product that is safe and effective for instrument presoaking, ultrasonic cleaning, and suction line cleaning.
• Use all products strictly as intended and instructed, referencing the IFUs for each product, device, and piece of equipment.
• Confirm that all chemical product labels comply with OSHA regulations.

Must-Knows When Selecting New Products

If your motivation is cost savings, efficiency, or environmental sustainability, consider the following before making changes:

1. Prioritize Regulatory Clearance: Always select products designed specifically for healthcare environments. Look for EPA registration numbers on labels for disinfectants and decontaminants. Medical instruments and devices should be FDA-cleared, ensuring safety and effectiveness claims are backed by data.
2. Be Wary of Non-Medical and Over-the-Counter Products: These products aren’t held to the same standards and may misuse terminology, potentially leading to confusion or liability. Products that do not meet medical regulatory standards could put your team and patients at risk.
3. Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Rely on the manufacturer's IFU. Dental products are only proven safe and effective when used exactly as tested and registered. Guarantees on performance apply only if the IFU is followed. If the IFU is missing or unclear, contact the manufacturer before proceeding.
4. Match Products to Your Practice’s Goals: Review all new products to ensure they align with your objectives—whether those are financial, operational, or environmental. Evaluate their safety, reliability, ease-of-use, compatibility with current equipment, and staff acceptance. Consult labels, Safety Data Sheets, and IFUs for detailed guidance.
5. Plan for Implementation and Training: Develop clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) before introducing any new product. Allocate time for team training to ensure proper and safe usage. Individuals who hold the Dental Industry Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (DISIPC) can provide guidance to ensure your new protocols hit the mark. When SOPs involve several products, combine the relevant IFUs to create thorough, step-by-step instructions.

Regulatory Facts to Remember

• Surface disinfectants that target environmental microorganisms are regulated by the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
• Products applied to humans—like sanitizers and soaps—fall under FDA regulation, guided by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

In Summary:

Product changes in a dental practice aren’t just about savings or sustainability—they must never compromise safety or regulatory compliance. By carefully vetting products, following manufacturer instructions, and supporting your team with proper training, your practice can safely achieve its efficiency and environmental goals.

Help maintain a culture of safety in your practice and strengthen your team’s knowledge. Complete the October 2025 ICIP online course to earn 1 CE credit – free for ADS Members, or available for just $20 for non-members.

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ADS membership gives you free access to our full ICIP course library and many more essential resources for continuing education and dental safety. Join now and invest in your professional growth and your practice’s well-being.

Stay tuned for the next ICIP issue – coming in December 2025!