Clinical Safety Essentials: Antibiotic Stewardship, Clean Water, and Team Protection

Antibiotic Stewardship Practices in Dentistry: A Team Approach!
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat, with “superbug” infections occurring in 2.8 people in the US each year. Antibiotic misuse and overuse are the primary reasons for the development of antibiotic resistance and adverse reactions, and the risk/benefit of prescribing antibiotics must always be considered before prescribing any antibiotic.
In this program, guidelines for use of antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment in dentistry will be reviewed, and challenges to responsible prescribing will be discussed. Attendees will be provided with numerous clinical tips, tools, and resources to promote antibiotic stewardship in their own practice.
Delivery of Clean and Healthy Water in Your Dental Practice
Water is a vital component of modern dentistry and water quality affects nearly every function of dental offices. Dental units supply water for most every dental procedure from routine prophies to complex restorative procedures. This webinar will discuss the importance of using clean and safe water, guidelines, and regulations for water quality, and how to ensure continuous delivery of safe water during dental care.
Hindsight is 20/20: Proactive Eye Safety Strategies for the Dental Team
Elevate your practice’s safety standards in this comprehensive one-hour session. While ocular injuries can lead to severe consequences, including permanent vision loss, many dental teams still operate with suboptimal protection.
This course provides actionable strategies for implementing high-level eye protection across all clinical phases—from instrument reprocessing and environmental disinfection to chairside care and light curing. Gain the confidence to select, fit, and maintain protective eyewear that meets rigorous NIOSH standards while ensuring a safe environment for every patient.
The Heart and Lungs of the Practice: Exploring the Dental Utility Room
Often referred to as the “heart and lungs” of the dental clinic, utility rooms are essential for maintaining a safe and functional operatory environment. This lecture explores how air compressors and dental units deliver vital air and water while high-volume evacuation systems mitigate risks from clinical aerosols. Participants will gain evidence-based strategies to ensure the delivery of hygienic air and clean water, safeguarding both patients and the dental team.
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course the participants should be able to:
• Describe how antibiotic resistance occurs and some of the most important antibiotic resistance issues
• Understand the impact that unnecessary antibiotic exposure has on patient harm including antibiotic resistance and Clostridiodes difficile infection
• Review guidelines for management of odontogenic infections and guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis
• Describe the steps for stewardship in the dental setting
• Describe how and why biofilms form in dental equipment
• Make evidence-based choices in the selection of products intended to improve the quality of water used for dental care
• Identify guidelines, regulations, and best practices that impact dental unit water quality
• Discuss rationale and indications for testing dental unit waterlines
• Identify specific ocular risks during dental procedures, from chemical splashes to high-intensity light exposure.
• Evaluate and select appropriate eye protection based on NIOSH standards and individual fit requirements for different clinical roles.
• Implement a comprehensive safety protocol that covers all phases of care, including sterilization and chairside assistance.
• Explain the critical functions of the air compressor and central vacuum system in daily dental operations.
• Identify potential sources of contamination within dental waterlines and clinical aerosols.
• Implement infection control protocols for air compressors, central vacuums, and dental unit waterlines to ensure a safe operatory field.