OSHA and infection control aren’t “nice to haves” – they’re literally the difference between safe care and “we just made the news.” In this episode, Kara and Amy sit down with OSHA and infection control badass Deanna Otts-Whitfield, RDH, MS, CIC, CDIPC, to talk about all the dirty things happening in real dental practices – and what it actually takes to keep patients and teams safe.

Deanna breaks down the real difference between OSHA vs. CDC guidelines, why scrubs are not PPE, and how “we’ve always done it this way” is getting offices in trouble. From dental unit waterline testing and documentation to hand hygiene, nails, PPE, sharps containers, sterilization, and laundry, this is a practical, non-sugar-coated guide to bringing your infection control program out of 2003 and into reality.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your office is truly compliant or just “hoping for the best,” this is the episode to listen to before your next OSHA inspection, patient complaint, or viral Facebook post.

Deanna Otts-Whitfield, RDH, MS, CIC, CDIPC is a practicing dental hygienist with 16+ years of chairside experience, a master’s degree in healthcare quality and safety, and dual certifications in infection control and dental infection prevention & control through the Association for Dental Safety. She temps, trains, and consults with dental practices nationwide to help them modernize OSHA and infection control, close dangerous gaps, and build systems that actually work in the real world.

Connect with Deanna:

Website: www.CopperPennyConsulting.com

Instagram: @deannardh 

Email: [email protected] 

The content in this episode (and any related clips, posts, or show notes) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, tax, or regulatory advice. Kara D. Kelley, Clinical HR LLC, Amy Wood, and Copper Penny Consulting LLC are not law firms and are not your attorneys. Listening to this podcast does not create a client or attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified professional advisors licensed in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

The Compliant AF Podcast

The Compliant AF Podcast is the brainchild of Clinical HR LLC and Copper Penny Consulting LLC. Hosted by Kara D. Kelley, SPHR, SHRM-SCP (Fractional HR Business Partner for dental and healthcare practices) and Amy Wood (cybersecurity and HIPAA compliance expert), the show helps dental leaders and healthcare executives turn compliance into a true competitive advantage. We break down HR, OSHA, HIPAA, cybersecurity, and practice operations in plain language - with real-world examples, practical frameworks, and just enough snark to keep it interesting.