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Dental Infection Control Awareness Month (#DICAM21)

DICAM 2021

Overview

As an authority on infection control, OSAP is spearheading an annual campaign ‘Dental Infection Control Awareness Month,‘ which is held annually in September. The goals of Dental Infection Control Awareness Month are to supplement the new CDC information, support the infection control coordinator, and to build patient's trust in infection control. In September, you can demonstrate your commitment to infection prevention and patient safety with your patients. Learn how to host a successful #DICAM21 campaign here.

1. OSAP and CareQuest Institute's Best Practices Document          

This best practices resource is a compilation of current regulations, interim guidance, and practice tips assembled by national and international dental infection prevention experts. These leaders completed an extensive review of guidance provided by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and others, and developed straightforward instructions addressing all the major aspects of safely engaging in dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed for dental clinicians, front office staff, and other personnel, this document has two sections, a practical checklist, and a companion resources/tools section.

2. Champion the Infection Control Coordinator

Every dental practice needs an Infection Prevention and Control Program. Every practice also needs an Infection Control/ Prevention Coordinator (ICPC) with overall responsibility for managing and coordinating the Infection Prevention and Control Program. OSAP has bundled together online resources for the Infection Control Coordinator that describe what the responsibilities are and how to staff and support this important position. Click here to learn more about the role of the ICPC.

3. Build Patient Trust

Educate your patients about what your practice is doing to protect them. Patients are more aware than ever. Use Dental Infection Control Awareness Month to showcase your infection control and safety practices. Demonstrate your commitment to infection control with free campaign materials.

  • Prepare your staff to "have the conversation"
  • Customizable Patient Letter, Poster, and Waiting Room Brochure
  • Increase the Impact of Your Message Through Social Media Tools
    • Post relevant infection control messages on your practice's Facebook, Instagram, and send timely tweets throughout September to reinforce to your patients that you care about their safety. Click here for social media tools.

3. Experience OSAP's Educational Resources 

4. Additional Resources