Deanna Otts-Whitfield, MSHQS, BSDH, RDH, CDIPC

Deanna Otts-Whitfield is a highly experienced and respected dental professional with a strong passion for oral health education, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Her adulthood started with four years of honorable service in the United States Marine Corps—an experience that instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence. Deanna holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from Texas Woman’s University and an executive master’s degree in Healthcare Quality and Safety from Sam Houston State University. In 2023, she earned her Certification in Dental Infection Prevention and Control (CDIPC) from the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), underscoring her dedication to evidence-based, safe clinical practices. With over 16 years of experience in the dental industry, Deanna has developed extensive expertise in infection control, patient care, OSHA compliance, and clinical best practices. She currently serves as a compliance consultant with Copper Penny Consulting, where she empowers dental teams with practical strategies to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. Deanna is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), the Speaking Consulting Network (SCN), Minnesota Dental Hygienist’s Association, and the Marine Corps League. She has contributed her time and insight as a board member of the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Texas Oral Health Coalition. As a published author of several industry articles and a dynamic public speaker, Deanna is known for translating complex regulatory topics into engaging, actionable insights. Whether presenting from the stage or consulting in the operatory, she is driven by a mission to elevate patient safety and support dental teams in delivering exceptional care.