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.
Each year at the ADS Annual Conference, one of the most anticipated and meaningful moments is the opportunity to recognize individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have advanced dental infection prevention and safety. Surrounded by colleagues, mentors, and friends from across the profession, we come together to celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on ADS and the dental community.
Patients expect safety. They judge it from every cue—what they see, hear, and feel—from the first call to the follow-up. If they don’t hear about infection control, they may assume it’s not happening. Clear communication closes that gap, builds trust, and strengthens your safety culture.
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.
As Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM) draws to a close, the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) is highlighting one of the most visible and vital aspects of infection prevention: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is essential for protecting both dental professionals and patients from the risks of infectious disease transmission during dental care.
Registration for the 2026 ADS Dental Infection Control Boot Camp opens in October. Whether you're new to dental infection prevention or looking to deepen your expertise, Boot Camp offers a unique blend of education, networking, and professional growth. Here are the top reasons you should reserve your spot:
September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM), and the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) is highlighting essential topics to ensure every dental visit is a safe visit. For the third week, we turn our attention to a cornerstone of infection prevention: Instrument Reprocessing.
Educators in dental hygiene, dental assisting, and dental schools play a pivotal role in shaping the future of oral healthcare. Preparing students to meet the highest standards of infection prevention and patient safety is more important than ever. The Association for Dental Safety (ADS) workbooks are designed to support your curriculum, ensuring your students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver safe, effective care from day one.
September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM), and the Association for Dental Safety (ADS) is excited to highlight key topics that keep dental visits safe for everyone. For the second week, we’re focusing on a critical but sometimes overlooked area: Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs).
September marks Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM), and we're kicking off our favorite month with one of the most critical topics in dental infection prevention: Hand Hygiene. Keeping your hands clean is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
At the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), we understand that infection prevention is the backbone of every reputable dental practice. Despite the best infection control protocols, dental professionals are at risk for daily exposure to harmful pathogens. Discover how the August issue of Infection Control in Practice (ICIP) will help your team stay on top of best practices for vaccination and immunization.
When people hear about Ask ADS, they immediately think about instant, evidence-based answers to dental infection prevention and patient safety questions. Ask ADS does that, but it's more than just a Q&A tool. It's a powerful platform that can help you streamline your practice, enhance team training, and improve communication. Here are some impactful ways you can leverage Ask ADS to help you work smarter:
