FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information, contact:
Emily Hammonds, MA
Association Manager
(404) 789-3161
[email protected] 

August 4, 2025 (ATLANTA, GA) – The Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly OSAP, proudly prepares for the launch of Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (DICAM), beginning September 1. DICAM celebrates the ongoing commitment of oral healthcare professionals to providing the safest dental visit for both patients and team members.

The theme for 2025 is "Embracing a Culture of Safety: Empowering Patients and the Dental Team." Each week will spotlight a specific infection prevention topic:

• Week 1: Hand Hygiene (September 1 - 5)
• Week 2: Dental Unit Waterlines (September 8 - 12)
• Week 3: Instrument Reprocessing (September 15 - 19)
• Week 4: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (September 22 - 26)

ADS created a Social Media and Marketing Toolkit with ready-to-use graphics and messaging. The oral healthcare community can participate by posting infection prevention and control best practices, success stories, or selfies on social media, and join the conversation using the hashtag #DICAM25.

New this year is Ask ADS, a cutting-edge, AI-powered assistant and the ultimate knowledge source for ADS and DICAM. In addition to delivering instant, expert answers in a user's native language, Ask ADS can help oral healthcare professionals create customized policies, procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and checklists tailored to their dental practice. Simply a question or request, and receive immediate, practice guidance to stay on top of infection prevention best practices.

“As we prepare for Dental Infection Control Awareness Month, I encourage everyone in the oral healthcare community to join us in elevating the standards of safety,” said Michelle Lee, CPC, Executive Director of ADS. “DICAM is a unique opportunity to share valuable resources, spotlight best practices, and demonstrate our collective commitment to infection prevention and control. By participating and sharing knowledge, we empower both our teams and our patients to experience the highest level of care.”

The Social Media and Marketing Toolkit for #DICAM25 is available now on the ADS website. The toolkit includes patient-facing resources such as a printable flyer and brochure, a customizable patient letter, and scripts for dental staff. The Infection Prevention and Safety Resource Toolkit is available as well and includes checklists, whitepapers, and best practices. Visit MyADS.org/DICAM to learn more and try Ask ADS.

About ADS
Founded in 1984, the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), formerly OSAP, is the only dental membership association for oral healthcare professionals that focuses exclusively on dental infection prevention and patient and provider safety. ADS helps operationalize dental infection control and safety laws, regulations, guidelines, standards, and best practices to ensure every dental visit is a safe visit. We support our members and the oral healthcare community by offering evidence-based education, an extensive collection of online resources, and by collaborating with individuals, agencies, and organizations to assure the safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare to all. For additional information, visit MyADS.org. 

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