Package Description

Dental assistants are the frontline champions of infection control in dental practices. From ensuring sterilization of instruments to maintaining clean dental unit waterlines, their role is critical in safeguarding patient safety. This webinar provides a comprehensive guide for dental assistants, highlighting often overlooked aspects of infection control. Participants will learn step-by-step protocols to stay compliant with CDC, OSHA, State Board, and other regulatory guidelines, including tips on maintaining waterline safety, proper sterilization techniques, and addressing common challenges in infection control. Featuring expert insights from Tonya Hanna and Sherrie Busby from Heartland Dental and practical waterline maintenance tips from Kellie Thimmes, this session will also answer frequently asked questions to empower dental assistants with the confidence to uphold high infection control standards.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key infection control protocols specific to sterilization, dental unit waterlines, and suction lines to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
2. Apply step-by-step procedures for maintaining dental unit waterline safety and effective sterilization practices in the dental office.
3. Evaluate common infection control challenges and FAQs, proposing solutions to prevent cross-contamination and maintain patient safety.

Price:

• Members & Non-Members: Free

Continuing Education

ADS, formerly known as OSAP, is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Please email the ADS office at [email protected] or call +1 (410) 571-0003 if you wish to be in contact with the course author/creator(s) with any questions or for clarification of course concepts or for technical assistance in completing the online test.

All participants assume individual responsibility for providing evidence of contact hours of continuing education to the appropriate authorities and for the maintenance of their individual records.

Learn more about our CE Program & Provider Recognition.

CE Credits: 1.0
Educational Method: Self-instructional (self-study)
Location: Online
Publication Date: April 2025 
Expiration Date: April 30, 2028

Speakers:

Sherrie Busby, EDDA, CDSO, CDIPC

Sherrie Busby is currently a Dental Assistant Training Developer for Heartland Dental. She has the privilege to talk to dental assistants regularly, and provides information and training on dental software, documentation guidelines and clinical techniques. With a passion for OSHA and sterilization guidelines there are always a lot of questions coming her way! She is passionate about mentoring and is an advocate for the personal and professional growth of dental assistants all around the country. Always being on a quest for growth herself, she is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association and currently serving as vice president of the Illinois Dental Assistants Association. Sherrie is working with other industry leaders to educate and empower dental assistants by using the experience and education she gained throughout her career.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

Tonya Hanna, EDDA

Tonya Hanna has been with Heartland Dental for over 22 years, currently serving as the Category Manager for Dental Supplies. An Expanded Duties Dental Assistant (EDDA) and an experienced trainer, Tonya is highly regarded for her engaging speaking and presenting skills. With a deep passion for infection control and a commitment to helping people, she brings invaluable expertise to the dental industry, empowering teams to maintain the highest standards of patient safety.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose

Kellie Thimmes, BS, DISIPC

Kellie Thimmes, aka “Kellie T,” is the Director of Education for ProEdge Dental Water Labs, where she leads educational initiatives focused on ensuring safe dental unit waterlines. She continues to serve as a Compliance Advisor for SafeLink Consulting, Inc., an internationally recognized regulatory compliance consulting firm, but her primary role is now at ProEdge.

Over the years, Kellie has helped thousands of dental professionals establish and maintain safe water protocols, solidifying her position as a leading voice in the safe water movement within the dental industry.

In the ever-evolving landscape of safety in the dental industry, Kellie remains at the forefront, passionately educating and empowering dental professionals on the paramount importance of maintaining a culture of safety.

Disclosures: Employee of ProEdge Dental Water Labs

Educational Funding Provided By: