It has been widely reported that support and updates for the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system will end on Oct. 14, 2025.  In this episode, the Divas discuss what this means for dental practices that use Windows operating systems, and how HIPAA security compliance requires covered entities to use the most up-to-date software with security updates. Learn how your practice may be effected by this change.

Resources:

• Microsoft Support - Windows 10 support ends on Oct. 14, 2025  https://bit.ly/46ibZBp
• Microsoft - Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025  https://bit.ly/3VvctOs
• Microsoft Windows Blog - How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today  https://bit.ly/4292kuB

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Bryan Laskin joins the Divas to spotlight the overlooked "P" in HIPAA—Portability—and why it’s critical for dental practices. Tune in as Dr. Laskin shares the challenges of data interoperability, the impact on patient trust, and the urgent need for seamless access to health records across systems. 

• Dr. Laskin's LinkedIn newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlaskin/
• Dr. Laskin's Dr. Biscuspid podcast on "The P in HIPAA". https://www.drbicuspid.com/podcasts/article/15745810/dentistry-isnt-talking-about-the-p-in-hipaa
• Unfair Care by Dr. Laskin: https://unfaircare.com/

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

This episode is a must listen for every member of the entire dental team! The Diva's special guest, Dr. Marie Fluent, explains the development of the concept of antibiotic stewardship in dentistry, how antibiotic resistance develops, the importance of the 2019 ADA guidelines for Dental Pain and Swelling, and the new CDC checklist for prescribing antibiotics in dentistry.  Dr. Fluent presents strategies to ensure that the entire team can effectively and cohesively communicate with patients regarding the risks and benefits of antibiotics to treat dental infections.

Resources:

• Association for Dental Safety - Antibiotic Stewardship for Prescribers - Resources  https://bit.ly/3I2W2Ww
• American Dental Association - Antibiotics for Dental Pain and Swelling Guideline (2019) https://bit.ly/4mZfliE 
• CDC Checklist for Antibiotic Prescribing in Dentistry https://bit.ly/4no0UVb
• American Dental Association - Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior to Dental Procedures https://bit.ly/41MasB3

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Is managing dental unit waterlines in your practice still a puzzle?  In this episode, the Divas discuss how to better understand your water test results by having confidence in your water quality rather than guessing.

Resources:

• CDC - Dental Unit Water Quality https://bit.ly/3UR3ua5
• Agenics Labs Water Testing Resources for Dentistry   https://www.agenics.net/resources
• Agenics Labs Special DICAM Give-away   https://www.agenics.net/compliancedivas
• Agenics Labs STAT: https://www.agenics.net/s/STAT-Response-GP30040.pdf

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Did you know that evaluating safer sharps devices is require as part of OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training?   The Divas provide information on what you must include in training, along with the what, why and how of engineering controls and engineered Sharps Injury Protections (ESIP).

Resources:

• Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act https://bit.ly/4mt3Pfb
• Healthcare Purchasing News - Two Decades Later, Are We Safer? Revisiting Sharps Injury Prevention in U.S. Healthcare  https://bit.ly/47PvEd4
• CDC Workbook for Designing, Implementing & Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program  https://bit.ly/4mYzcxX
• Annual Needlestick and Sharps Injury Evaluation form   https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resources
• CDC Sharps Evaluation Worksheet   https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resources
• Examples of Sharps Safety Devices for Dentistry    https://www.thecompliancedivas.com/resources

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

The Divas take a deep dive into the attitudes, stigmas and facts surrounding the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.  This compelling discussion includes historical as well as current information about providing oral health care to this very deserving group of patients.

Resources:

• Williams Institute Study on HIV Discrimination in Dental Care   https://bit.ly/45nO1UZ
• CDC Stop HIV https://bit.ly/4fEzdom
• CDC - Undetectable = Untransmittable https://bit.ly/3HhTZxx
• NIH - Attitudes and Practices of Dentists Treating HIV+ Patients in the Era of New Antiretroviral Therapy: A 12-year Update https://bit.ly/4lD7dTA
• CDC MMWR Notes from the Field:  Occupationally Acquired HIV Infection Among Health Care Workers - United States, 1985-2013   https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6353a4.htm
• HIVDENT https://www.hivdent.org/
• Movie - And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic  Available on most streaming services

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

If your dental office places or removes amalgam and discharges wastewater to a municipal sewage system, you are required to have an amalgam separator that meets EPA standards, follow best management practices, and comply with reporting requirements. Learn what is required, how to comply, and a potential alternative to traditional amalgam separators, with special guest, Charles McCary from Dove Dental.

Resources:

• EPA FAQs on Amalgam Waste https://bit.ly/3HfjiQz
• ADA Best Management Practices for Amalgam https://bit.ly/3UELVts
• Dove Dental http://www.dovedentalproducts.com/
• Capt-all from Dove Dental http://www.dovedentalproducts.com/collections/capt-all-handheld-amalgam-capture-device

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Personal protective equipment, otherwise known as PPE, is a critical element of workplace safety in dentistry.   In this episode, the Divas discuss OSHA's PPE requirements and some common errors that dental teams make with regard to PPE.

Resources:

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://bit.ly/3S8a5yJ
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-05-20/pdf/2024-08568.pdf
• OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standards   https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment/standards

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

In this episode, Ashley Quackenbush shares insights about Ask ADS, the latest feature from the Association of Dental Safety. This newly launched AI tool answers your toughest questions about dental compliance and clinical best practices. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large DSO, Ask ADS makes staying compliant refreshingly accessible.

• Ask ADS: https://www.myads.org/ask-ads-
• ADS Compliance Divas membership discount on 1st year membership: Divas50

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com

Infection control breaches can lead to serious consequences including disciplinary action or lawsuits. In this episode, the Divas share actual cases in dental practices that involved regulatory action. Leverage these lessons learned to protect your patients, your practice, and your license.

Resources:

• CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health Care Settings - 2003  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr5217.pdf
• CDC Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings - 2016   https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/index.html
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard  https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030 

https://www.thecompliancedivas.com