In this episode of Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange interviews legal expert Olivia Wann on the intersection of law and infection prevention in dentistry. Olivia shares her extensive experience as a consultant and lawyer working with dental practices, highlighting common compliance issues such as HIPAA violations, patient safety, and regulatory compliance errors. They discuss the importance of proper patient record handling, the need for thorough infection control training, and the...
Mar 08, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, CDIPC is joined by expert Amy Wood to discuss the complexities of HIPAA compliance in the dental industry. They cover the importance of cybersecurity, common mistakes made by dental practices, and the critical need for processes and protocols to protect patient data. Amy shares her personal experiences with identity theft and provides valuable insights on how to prevent data breaches. The episode emphasiz...
Mar 08, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by expert Sarah Stream to discuss the intricate and often confusing topic of dental burs. They delve into main issues such as the lack of clear instructions, the nuances between diamond and carbide burs, and the challenges of ensuring proper sterilization. The conversation touches on the classification of instruments, FDA regulations, and practical advice for dental teams. Sarah also shares insights fro...
Mar 07, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by Lisa Kane to delve into the often overlooked topic of waste management in dental practices. They discuss the importance of properly labeling and disposing of different types of waste, the misapplication of biohazard stickers, and the distinctions between general and biomedical waste. They also explore the protocols for disposing of controlled substances and amalgam waste, as well as the necessity of ...
Mar 07, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention podcast, host Michelle Strange welcomes Amanda Hill to discuss the critical topic of backflow and suction safety in dental practices. They delve into what backflow is, why it matters, and practical solutions for preventing it. The conversation covers types of backflow prevention devices, proper maintenance of vacuum pumps and suction lines, and the importance of using high-volume evacuation (HVE) devices for better aerosol management. They als...
Mar 07, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange dives into indoor air quality with expert guest Nancy Dewhirst. They explore the complexities of maintaining air safety in dental settings, particularly in the post-COVID era. Topics include the significance of building design, HVAC systems, filtration levels, air movement strategies, and the utility of engineering controls. Dewhirst also discusses standards and best practices for addressing various contaminants ...
Mar 07, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange is joined by infection prevention expert Leslie Canham to discuss the importance of eye protection in dental settings. They explore the consequences of inadequate eye protection for both dental professionals and patients, emphasizing issues like ocular trauma, infection risks, and the need for appropriate protective eyewear. The discussion also touches on OSHA standards, the role of employers in ensuring safety c...
Mar 07, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In the first episode of Season 3 of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange discusses the intricacies of infection control in dental settings with Alyssa Aberle. They dive deep into the specifics of disinfection, barrier use, and environmental infection control, offering practical insights and strategies to elevate infection control practices. The conversation highlights common misconceptions, the importance of terminology, and the need for standard operating procedures....
Mar 07, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, host Michelle Strange welcomes Karen Gregory to discuss the nuances of infection prevention and the importance of sterilization in dental practices. Drawing from their recent training in Italy, they explore the critical aspects of autoclaves, the significance of proper equipment procurement, and the often overlooked stages of the cleaning and drying processes. Gregory emphasizes the importance of adhering to manufacturer instructions and highlights common pitfalls in instrument ...
Mar 07, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode of Season Three of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, host Michelle Strange delves into the importance of ergonomics in dental practices and its surprising connection to infection control. Joined by Caitlin from 'The Aligned Hygienist' podcast, they discuss the critical role ergonomics plays in creating safe dental visits, mitigating occupational hazards, and enhancing overall well-being. The conversation covers a range of topics including the benefits of ergonomic loops,...
Mar 07, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention Podcast, our guest is Duane Tinker, also known as the “Tooth Cop.” He is one of the top compliance experts in the country, has over 20 years as an Emergency Medical Technician and ten years as a Law Enforcement Officer. His unique experiences have given him a unique perspective and a wealth of experience of what to do when it comes to compliance and risk management. Today, he discusses the importance of compliance in a dental practice and what...
Jan 06, 2022•30 min
The ability to organize objects for rapid access is the golden grail in all facets of life. It saves you time and effort in recovering these items, as well as money on perishable foods that have been stored and forgotten. Tina discusses how Zirc has aided professionals, including private practitioners, by giving adequate and quick solutions to typically unorganized objects and how these simple solutions have improved workflow productivity. Zirc Dental Products [01:30] Zirc Dental Products was es...
Jan 06, 2022•32 min
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, we have invited Rolando Mia from Zyris- a company known for a product called Isolite. We’re going to dive into what’s happening in their company, the problems they’re having, and how are they coming up with a solution to mitigate infections during this pandemic era. Stay tuned! What’s happening at Zyris? [1:21] Zyris is a medical device manufacturer. The premise that they’re approaching the market with is they believe everybody deserv...
Jan 06, 2022•30 min
In recent decades, medical modernization has progressed to new heights by providing high-quality services to clients. Inventions and modifications to existing equipment are critical to realizing these advancements. In today’s episode, Michael Infanger discusses his inventions, which help dentists and hygienists deliver better care to their patients. Michael’s Background [01:10] Michael was a computer engineer who hung out with college kids. People assumed he was a dental student since he would j...
Jan 06, 2022•28 min
Keyboards and mouse are essential computer peripherals. Keyboards are used to input data while the mouse interacts with anything on the screen. These two components are the most used peripherals, exposed to the environment, and the ones that we are always in contact with. Thus, it is crucial for these peripherals to always be cleaned and disinfected to ensure our safety. But how can you disinfect keyboards and mice without damaging them? In this episode, we invited Natasha from Man & Machine...
Jan 06, 2022•25 min
The N95 mask is a safety standard in healthcare and vitally important to protecting healthcare workers and patients. Luckily, with the help of bringing an innovative mask technology to the healthcare market, the strapless N-95 mask was born. In this episode, we have invited Scott Chasin and Dr. Lisa Kane. Today, they share the benefits and importance of using a strapless N-95. Strapless N-95 Mask [01:32] Many people even say that the Strapless N-95 mask is more comfortable than a regular mask. I...
Jan 06, 2022•35 min
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, we have invited Jim Langeloh from Dove Dental Products, a company dedicated to developing and bringing to the market cost-effective disposables for increasing patient safety. With their new products in the market, Jim shares his time to explain their latest products, all about backflow in the dental operations, how to prevent it, and why we should all be concerned about it. Don’t miss out! All About Dove Dental Products [01:04] DOVE D...
Jan 06, 2022•38 min
Unhygienic practices have always been frowned upon in various industries. From the food you eat, the clothes you wear, to even the water you drink, hygiene is an essential aspect that everyone needs to take seriously. This sentiment should be more emphasized in the medical field, particularly in dentistry, where dentists use water to clean your mouth. Do you feel safe on the water you are using for your patients? In this episode, we have invited Mike Rust, Regional Sales Manager at ProEdge Denta...
Jan 06, 2022•38 min
In this episode of the Level Up Infection Prevention Podcast, our guest is Debra Dencek. She is the Founder and CEO of CordEze, a registered dental hygienist, and a certified ergonomic assessment specialist. Dencek graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, and she continues to work clinically while promoting ergonomics in dentistry. Today, she talks with us about CordEze and why it is an essential tool that every dental practitioner should have. Deb’s...
Jan 06, 2022•31 min
In this episode of the Level of Infection Prevention Podcast, our guest is Debora Carrier. She is the Founder and CEO of Twice as Nice Uniforms, a company that creates stylish scrubs with a performance liner that regulates your body temperature, wicks moisture, and is antimicrobial. For the last five years, Debora has been dedicated to developing the best temperature regulating, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial uniforms. Today, she talks with us about how she started her company and the importanc...
Jan 06, 2022•30 min
Episode 2: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention Michelle Strange, and India Chance are addressing PPE! Today we talk about what is included in personal protective equipment, your responsibilities, as well as your employers, and how OSHA comes into play. Episode Highlights: Getting back to the basics What is included as PPE Who provides PPE OSHA Standards, Law or Recommendation? A look at State vs. Federal laws Donning and Doffing PPE Quotes: “We ask our PPE to be Fort Knox for potentially infe...
Jan 05, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Episode 10: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing sharps safety and safe injection control practices! Episode Highlights: Workplace Controls/ Engineering Controls Protocols Screen, Evaluate, Monitor, Document, and Repeat Utility Gloves Quotes: “I did some really horrible things early in my career in terms of sharps safety” “I was mindful, but it doesn’t make it right” “Anything that can puncture the trash, does in the sharps container” “If you f...
May 25, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Episode 9: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing dental unit waterlines! This is one of India and Michelle’s favorite topics! Episode Highlights: Dental Unit Waterline Safety Lawsuits Municipal vs. self-contained water Dead Leg Testing Logs Quotes: “People get the suction and waterline confused, with what you can use to disinfect” “A lot of states are looking to the case for guidance on their regulations to see how they are going to proceed” “It...
May 25, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Episode 8: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing vaccination and other precautions you should take for your personal wellness and safety! Episode Highlights: The link between professional burnout and infection control Immunization recommendations Operator Fatigue Stay home if you are sick! Ergonomics Quotes: “If you are tired you increase the risks of hazards” “We are trying to stay on time and service everyone else but we forget about ourselves...
May 25, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Episode 7: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing product selection! This is super important and not as straightforward as you may think! Episode Highlights: Products for Individual Team Members Products for Individual Ops/ Team Members Safety of Products/ Product Selection Who governs these products? What you need to know about labels Quotes: “Your product selection is going to be a very personal thing for your office, and your individual team m...
May 25, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Episode 6: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing written record-keeping. Episode Highlights: Commonly Requested Logs Hepatitis B Vaccination Employee Medical Health Record Digital vs. Written Incident Reports and Log Helpful Resources Compliance Health Officers Quotes: “Hepatitis B is the only vaccination required by law” “You have to have a training log whenever you do a OSHA training, this is a MUST” “The person doing the training has to be ab...
May 25, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Episode 5: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing environmental infection control… one of Michelle’s favorite topics! Episode Highlights: What is environmental infection control Op set up to encourage environmental infection control 1 step vs 2 step disinfecting processes EPA registration number Barrier Wrapping and PPE Quotes: “Less is more in this situation” “We are healthcare settings, my hospital room doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy” “It needs to...
May 25, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Episode 4: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing op reprocessing. What to do when you come back to your op and need to turn it over. Episode Highlights: Operatory Reprocessing Timeline and Steps Efficiency Barriers What can be done with Clean Hands Standard Operating Procedures Quotes: “This isn’t just between patients, it's at the end of the day, and the beginning of the day as well” “I am way OCD to not set my trays up in the morning” “Before y...
May 25, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Episode 3: Today on Level Up Infection Prevention, Michelle Strange and India Chance are addressing instrument reprocessing. Episode Highlights: Sterilization vs. Disinfection Categories, Critical, Semi- Critical, Non- Critical Sharps Containers and Cassettes Utility Gloves and PPE Waterlines Cold Sterile and Holding Solution Follow the recipe, and dry your instruments Quotes: “Disinfection doesn’t get bacterial spores, which sterilization does” “People, people, people... we have got to stop dis...
May 25, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Episode 1: Michelle Strange and India Chance are pleased to bring you a new podcast to boost your infection control knowledge called Level Up Infection Prevention! We hope this inspired you to learn more and provide the resources to do so! In this episode Michelle and India let you know what to expect from the show, and tackle the Infection Control Coordinator (ICC)! Episode Highlights: What is Level Up Infection Prevention about Who is your infection control coordinator ICC Breakdown Survey on ...
May 25, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1
