In this episode of The DrBicuspid.com Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry speaks with Michelle Lee, the executive director of the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), about the significant changes in dental safety guidelines following the elimination of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Division of Oral Health.
They discuss the role of the ADS in stepping up to fill the gap left by the CDC, the establishment of the ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science, and the importance of maintaining and updating dental infection prevention guidelines.
Lee shares insights on funding for the new institute, the introduction of innovative tools for infection prevention, and the commitment to ensuring safe dental visits for both patients and providers.
Podcast takeaways
- The CDC's Division of Oral Health was eliminated, which is impacting dental infection prevention guidelines.
- The ADS has stepped up to take responsibility for these guidelines.
- Conversations with the dental community showed strong support for the ADS' new role.
- The new ADS Institute for Dental Safety and Science will focus on updating guidelines.
- Funding for the new institute will come from private foundations and individual support.
- Dental infection prevention guidelines still exist and are not changing immediately.
- The ADS is committed to ensuring every dental visit is safe.
- An artificial intelligence tool has been launched to provide accurate infection prevention information.
- Public comment periods will be included in the guideline update process.
- The ADS aims to increase awareness of its mission and resources within the dental community.
